Rob DaviesWell who’d have thought on Saturday at 2pm that we would be six points better off with two clean sheets and five goals to our name by 10pm on Tuesday?
Not me, but it just sums up the topsy turvy nature of not just this division but football in general and those results have given everyone a huge boost leading into the final weeks of the season.
So, what have we learned from those two games?
Naughton imperious at the back
It’s easy to forget that Kyle Naughton has now played 250+ games for Swansea City and is 34 later this year but the calmness and control in his game is only improving by the match.
In previous years he has been utilised in defensive midfield along with his preferred right back position but when Connor Roberts emerged and made right back his own, the former Spurs man saw himself drift further towards the centre half role.
We now see a player who looks like he’s plied his trade at the heart of the defence for years and someone who younger players can only look up to – indeed he is surely a great influence on the likes of Ben Cabango and Joel Latibeaudiere.
Long may it continue.
Fisher finding his feet
Many fans questioned the January signing of Andy Fisher with Steven Benda not really getting a look in since the early part of the season and Ben Hamer doing ok – if not setting the world alight.
Those questioning “why” wouldn’t have been quietened with some shaky early performances particularly against Sheffield United and Fulham in the 5-1 drubbing with calls for Hamer to return between the sticks.
But since then, he has grown in confidence and whilst still not the finished article (he seems to fear crosses a little too much) he has now not conceded in over 300 minutes of football.
Perhaps encouraging signs for his future at the club moving into next season.
Obafemi sensational
It seems a long time ago that Russell Martin was calling out Michael Obafemi for his attitude and professionalism but the Irish international is rejuvenated and on fire showing why the club spend seven figures on signing him.
He may not have scored at Millwall but his performance was as good as it has been; harrying and full of energy and running, his pace is certainly an outlet that could have been utilised better in the earlier parts of the season.
His first goal Saturday was a poacher’s finish whilst the second was a quality strike showing exactly what Obafemi is capable of in the run in towards the end of the season.
The unsung heroes
Matt Grimes and Ben Cabango have both come in for some stick of late for below par performances but, like the rest of the team, they look to be adapting more all the time and bedding into the system Martin is building.
Particularly in the case of Cabango, who backed up his assured display at the heart of the Wales defence against the Czech Republic with two strong performances for the Swans this week.
Both will undoubtedly be key players going into next season and their respective upturns in form can only be a good thing. A small footnote for Jay Fulton too, very impressive last night when game time has been minimal for the Scotsman this campaign.
Russell finding his feet
Credit needs to go to Russell Martin and his coaching team in delivering two good performances on the back of what was a woeful display against Birmingham before the international break. Things are definitely looking brighter for the future, that’s for sure.
We’ve all been extremely frustrated at times this campaign but the form over the last ten games shows 19 points earned which over a season would see automatic promotion and that’s no mean feat.
Things aren’t all rosy quite yet, but significant improvements can be seen. A win at home to Derby County and optimism really would be sky high.
