Phil SumblerThree second half goals in the rain yesterday afternoon in SA1 gave the Swans a second consecutive home win, a league double over Bristol City and a decent boost in league position making a good afternoon for Russell Martin’s side.
It was the Swans first league double over the Robins since 1957/58 and capped the end of a strange week for the Swans which had the midweek heavy defeat at Stoke sandwiched either side of two good home wins.
With a rarity now of a midweek with no fixture it was imperative that we did get the win to restore some confidence (and pride) into the side after the capitulation at Stoke and – on the back of being down at half time – we did that with a three goal second half showing which pleased Martin as much as it angered opposition manager Nigel Pearson.
But as we reflect back on that win, what five things did we take from the game this time around.
1. A goal for Joel at last – He has looked like a striker out of form and maybe losing some confidence in recent weeks so yesterday’s late late strike from Piroe was just what the doctor ordered. Not just a goal but an exceptionally well taken goal as he beat the defender on the edge of the box before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net. Breaks a mini goal drought but more importantly should restore any lost confidence into the bargain. Much more to come from our leading scorer.
2. A promising debut from Finley Burns – There was a league debut for Finley Burns on the right side of the Swansea defence and the Manchester City defender fitted in like he belonged there. Calm on the ball and confident in possession, it is clear to see why the Premier League Champions rate him so highly. As Russell Martin said “I was really pleased with Fin. He has come in and really impressed everyone and I think for a debut in this league, his mentality, his quality, his willingness to defend and compete was pleasing.”
3. Score some goals for Swansea – Michael Obafemi is benefitting from a run of games in the side. Whatever his early season problems at Swansea were he has put them behind him and looks not just a good player but a young player enjoying his football. His goal may not be a classic but we may not realise now just how pivotal that could be to this Swansea City side. A poacher’s goal and a second in a week for one of our summer captures – great to see.
4. Bouncing back, it is a thing after all – Hands up who feared the worst at half time. It was starting to feel like it wasn’t to be our day – we had the better of the first half but went in a goal down. The manager and players had talked all week about putting Stoke behind us and we did in the end – a very good second half performance and a deserved three points – full credit to everyone involved.
5. Cyrus Christie – longer deal please Swans. Cyrus Christie is a man who fits into the system that Russell Martin wants to play. His first goal for the club yesterday has been coming ever since his debut last month and with his Fulham contract up in the summer then the player becomes a free agent. The Swans need to be doing all they can to sign him up for a longer stay in SA1 – something Russell Martin is clearly aware of “Hopefully if he carries on we’ll be hoping to speak to him about something a bit longer,” said the Swans boss after the game.
So those are our five takeaways from yesterday’s win – agree or disagree the choice is yours – why not share your views using the comments box below or share them on the forum topic here.
