Planet Swans ArchivesIf you were to reflect back on this game there is little doubt that the 2-0 scoreline flattered Palace who could have been beaten by more had the Swans finishing been at our sharpest but the good news is we are coming through the fixtures and getting the results we know we are capable of.
Today’s win lifts us to seven points from five games which is the same tally that we had after five games last season. That in itself makes a mockery of those who were quick to write us off after two defeats at the start of the season and with European progression and style on the continent as well I would actually comfortably argue that the start to this season has been more successful than the start to last term.
The Swans had the perfect start to the game when Michu put them ahead inside two minutes. Just as they had started well on Monday night against Liverpool it was at a similar time this time that he found the back of the net after being presented with the opportunity. This time around however there was no misplaced backpass a minute or so later to bring our opponents level and indeed the Swans could have doubled that lead inside five minutes when Chico wasted a good chance from a flurry of Swans corners as Palace struggled to cope with our attacking form.
As we had expected, Michael made some changes from the team that started against Valencia with Jonjo, Ben and Ash all back in the starting line up as was Wayne Routledge against his former club. There was no room through for Leon with Canas alongside Shelvey in midfield whilst there was a first start for Alvaro Vazquez in the side with record signing Bony dropping to the bench
And the changes did not seem to affect the Swans as they pushed on with some style in the first half and could have added to their goals had the ball bounced in the right direction or a first touch had been better. Vorm was becoming a bit of a spectator during the first half as the pressure was mainly all on Palace but when half time arrived it was just that one goal that separated the two sides.
If it was though one at half time the Swans were soon to double their advantage as they scored at the front end of the second half in much the same way that they had at the beginning of the first half.
Vazquez was played through and his shot was well saved by Speroni but he grabbed the rebound and set up Nathan Dyer who shot home with ease to make it 2-0 to the Swans and the game was effectively over.
Michu, Vazquez and others all missed chances to add to the scoreline in the second half but it didn’t really matter the hard work had been done and the points had been secured.
Today’s result makes for three straight wins on the road for the Swans now and they move into the top half of the Premier League and can look forward to the start of their defence of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday with confidence running high both on and off the pitch
The end of a fantastic week for the club.
