Rob Davies
The word grit was something that could not be attached to Swansea City at any point last season but on the latest showing at Watford it is an ingredient that is in abundance as Russell Martin’s team soared to new heights of 6th place.
After a pretty poor start to the league campaign many fans – myself included – firmly believed that Martin was on borrowed time in SA1 but some tweaks and the return of some familiar faces has resulted in a complete turnaround in fortunes.
Four wins in five is impressive form at any time of the season but to beat high flying QPR, Watford with yet another new manager and perennial yo-yo club West Brom (the latter two both away from home in the space of a few days) speaks volume and may offer hope for not just this season but the future under Martin.
Back to Watford and the task was made harder despite a strong start when Ismailla Sarr finished inside the six yard box after good work by Ken Sema down the Swans right – the Hornets buoyed by Slaven Bilic’s appointment and a thumping 4-0 win at Stoke on the weekend.
But that Swansea determination rose to the surface much like the resurgent Olivier Ntcham who netted a deflected strike from 20 yards out to make it two in two after his strike at Hawthorns.
And in a bizarre 20 minutes of injury time Ben Cabango nodded home a Ryan Manning free kick to give the away fans a joyous journey home and take the Swans up to the play-offs for the first time in Martin’s 16 months in charge.
There was two changes to the team victorious at West Brom which saw Luke Cundle and Oli Cooper benched in favour of the two match-winners Ntcham and Michael Obafemi.
(3-4-3)
Benda
Wood – Naughton – Cabango
Sorinola – Fulton – Grimes – Manning
Piroe – Obafemi – Ntcham
After a rather tepid start with Watford giving away possession in the middle of the park, it was the home side who took the lead much against the run of play after some good build-up down the left.
Ken Sema played the ball past Naughton – who has been uncharacteristically sloppy of late – and slid the ball at pace towards the onrushing Sarr who beat Wood to the ball and slammed into the corner leaving Benda with little chance.
The Swans responded quickly and a quick free kick was played by Manning to Grimes whose strike was palmed away by Daniel Bachmann in the home goal allowing Obafemi to tap in.
Unfortunately the referee’s flag was quickly waving to signal offside and the goal was correctly chalked off before the Swans were grateful to Wood for a goal-line clearance from Asprilla.
The attacking midfielder blocked Naughton’s weak attempt at a pass across the backline and raced through on goal with Benda committed. He rounded the German keeper and slid the ball towards goal but Wood was quick to clear.
Except for a couple of sniffs around goal for both sides there was little more to come from the first half and the score remained 1-0.
That soon changed after the break as Grimes charged towards goal with an inspired run, shaking off his markers before providing Ntcham with the pass on the left. He cut in and directed a strike towards the bottom corner which went in with the aid of a deflection.
The former Celtic man is starting to show the promise which saw him linked with huge money moves across the continent and again offers signs that perhaps things are slowly coming together.
The Hornets nearly responded to the equaliser when Sema was presented with a clear opportunity inside the six yard box but Benda – as he has been every game since his return to first team action – blocked.
It seemed that Watford were getting the advantage as the game ebbed towards its close without creating clear cut chances; clearly missing star striker Joao Pedro who was out of the squad.
But the game descended into farce as an issue with the communication devices stopped play for over fifteen minutes leading to chants of “you only need a flag and a whistle.” For once, the fans got what they wanted and play was resumed with a lengthy amount of stoppage time to follow.
Shortly after the restart Manning cut in from the left side and despite falling managed to feed Joel Piroe who had more time than he realised but could only shoot straight at Bachmann. Surely that was the best chance they could get?
Not quite. As the Swans won a free kick on the left, Manning delivered a superb ball and with Watford’s injury besieged defence all at sea Ben Cabango powered a header into the bottom left corner to send the away fans’ wild.
As the game edged towards its finale there was one scare as the referee questioned whether to award a penalty to Watford for handball inside the box but those shouts were waved away and a free-kick awarded in the other direction. Despite a lengthy delay whilst considering his choice with the linesman.
And the final whistle soon came to great scenes of joy on the pitch, bench and in the stands. It wasn’t the best performance but it was gritty and determined and ultimately got another three points on the road after the great success at West Brom.
Furthermore coming from behind away is no mean feat but to do it twice in a few days is hugely impressive and whilst Martin attracted much criticism earlier this season he deserves the plaudits for the changes in personnel and approach that’s reaped the rewards.
Optimism is at a level not seen for considerable time leading towards the Sunderland game and even a draw would be an acceptable return from a fruitful week.
Let’s see where the journey takes us and if we can find the all important consistency needed to be a success in this bonkers division. Perhaps this bonkers Swans team can make an impression in the Championship after all?
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