Planet Swans ArchivesAsh criticised the team for their defending at the corner that led to a former defensive partner of his in Steven Caulker heading home the only goal of the game to lift Cardiff above Swansea in the Premier League table.
Ash was certainly pointing the finger at Chico Flores as well for his part in the goal and failing to challenge hard enough on Caulker for the header as the Swans were undone again from a set piece which has been our achilles heel over the past few years
The Swans were also criticised by their fans – and Ash agreed – for not wanting the win enough and I suspect the dressing room would have been subjected to some choice words after the game if the after match comments were anything to go by.
“We did not play well, we did not get into our rhythm and we did not pass it well enough,” said Williams.
“We weren’t solid enough off the ball, and we didn’t show enough heart, in my eyes.
“It was bitterly disappointing. I don’t think we played well, I don’t think we showed enough desire.”
If anything you would hope that the performance and the comments would lift the players now and spur them onto giving a top quality performance in Russia on Thursday night before returning to Wales to host Stoke next Sunday at the Liberty.
And in both games it is clear that the captain is calling for defensive improvements so to avoid a repeat of the goal that cost them at least a point against Cardiff
“How many times have I spoken about defending set-pieces?” he added. “It’s getting ridiculous now.
“If we can’t defend set-pieces we don’t deserve to win the game, and we didn’t again today.
“We have spoken about it so much, it looked like we had tightened up.
“I don’t think they would have scored today if it hadn’t come from a set-piece, I don’t remember Michel (Vorm) having a save to make.
“(At set-pieces) you’ve got your man. I know my man, it’s me against him, he doesn’t score against me. If he does, it’s my fault, it’s that simple.”
Clearly Ash believes that there is much work to be done on the training pitch ahead of the next few games on another aspect of the Swans game that seems to be going backwards at the moment.
Definitely applauding Ash though for his honesty after the game and for saying it as he sees it on a subject that few Swans fans would find it hard to argue against.
