Ash – It Was Embarrassing

Nolan was twice on hand to capitalise on an Andy Carroll flick on as the Swans dragged themselves right back into the relegation mix after lifting themselves a little clear with a midweek win over Fulham.

The two goals were almost telegraphed in the way that they were executed and manager Michael Laudrup admitted himself that the Swans had prepared for the threat that was posed by West Ham with the aerial ability of Carroll. it was almost inexcusable then that they had conceded two goals from that threat in what at times looked to be a static defence for the Swans that in the first half had no answer to what Carroll had to offer.

Earlier in the week it was reported that Ashley Williams was screaming at his team mates in their fourth round FA Cup tie at Birmingham and he once again reacted to the display at West Ham by saying “It’s not nice. I don’t enjoy it, to be honest. It hurts. It’s embarrassing.

“It’s on the TV. We lost again. We lost too many games, too many goals conceded. We conceded two rubbish goals and didn’t give ourselves a chance. It does my head in. I’m as frustrated as anyone because we’re all responsible.

“It’s the time to look at the table. But it’s not nice viewing for us. It’s the first time it’s been like that since I’ve been at Swansea.

“We had the early kick-off so we have to check all the other results to see where we are after the weekend, which isn’t a nice position to be in.”

The words of the skipper are absolutely spot on but at the moment they are just that – words. Harsh enough following the game but those sentiments need to be backed up with performances on the pitch starting next Saturday where it is vital that everybody is at the top of their game and realising the importance of the game from both fronts – league position and points together with the local rivalry and restoring pride after a very abject performance at the Cardiff City Stadium back in November.

The time for words is not now, actions speak louder than them.