Planet Swans ArchivesThree goals was only part of the story as the Swans controlled the game from pretty much the first touch and even managed to score their three goals without a recognised striker on the pitch following a first half injury to Alvaro Vazquez that saw him replaced by Nathan Dyer.
And ironically it was Dyer that gave the Swans the lead almost on the stroke of half time as Pozuelo’s cross was tipped into his path by Tim Krul and he volleyed home to give the Swans the lead. It was the minimum they deserved after a first half that they dominated although the best chance of the half before that had fallen to Remy whose header was well saved by Vorm in the Swans goal.
Despite the loss of Vazquez though the Swans continued to attack through many options although it was Ben Davies that seemed to join with the most effect and was picked out with several long balls by the excellent Shelvey and Ashley Williams. The Swans were most certainly in top gear for large periods and Newcastle – on the back of four straight wins – were on the back foot and can probably count themselves lucky that they went in at half time just one goal down such was the Swans dominance with 75% possession at the break the recorded stat.
The second half started much the same as the first ended with the Swans on the attack and pushing on at every opportunity with Dyer, Shelvey, Hernandez and Pozuelo in complete control of the attacking third whilst Canas and De Guzman were controlling the defensive third and the defence were just mopping up any loose ends that were left.
Pablo missed a great chance to double the Swans lead when he was played in on goal but his first touch was poor and the defence cleared but it was at that point just a matter of time until the Swans scored again. However, they had to endure two penalty shouts before they got the second. First a shot hit Ben Davies with appeals from the visitors to no avail whilst just minutes later they were appealing again as Ash looked to have pushed their man but again it was waved away by Howard Webb.
And it was from the break away that the Swans finally did double their lead. Pozuelo’s perfect pass played in Shelvey and his shot was saved by Krul but the rebound hit Debuchy and went into the back of the net to effectively end the game as a contest.
With ten minutes left Shelvey scored the goal of the night when he curled home from the edge of the area and the Swans night was complete with some to spare.
In recent weeks the team has been criticised heavily for their performances but tonight we saw the best of the Swans with dominance from start to finish and I would say our most complete Premier League performance of 2013 and more of the same definitely on Monday please to take us past the 20 point barrier.
Very enjoyable!
