Phil SumblerJerry Yates scored on his debut yesterday to rescue a point for the Swans after it looked for long periods as if they would start the season with a defeat in Michael Duff’s first competitive game in charge.
Yates converted a great ball across the area from Liam Cullen to open his Swansea City account and cancel out Birmingham’s first half opener which came about after a defensive mix up between goalkeeper and defenders.ย ย Carl Rushworth’s immediate reaction was to hold his hand up by way of apology but the keeper more than redeemed himself with some strong saves during the game which back up the highly rated nature of the goalkeeper.
But how did the wider fanbase see the game?ย ย We took to Twitter after the game yesterday to ask a very simple question of “Thoughts on the opening game?” with some very varied views coming back – a selection of which is shared below
It's going to take some time. Some positives to take from it, and some of the new players looked particularly bright. Some old behaviours to get out of, and some new ideas needed
— Wills (@PortTalbotJack) August 5, 2023
Not good no shape to them no outlet ,no pace lacking ideas trying go turn an old fashion center half into a fancy passing midfielder subs could have been better cooper for instance is he going to get game time ? All in all very unimpressed were was the high tempo press
— Gethin Hughes (@GethinH69754737) August 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/notrashcougar/status/1687877133358731264
Thought it was a good start for MD, Yates and Key look like 2 good buys. Still need time to stop some sloppy play and didn't see enough of the high press MD was talking about. Rushford looks sharp, all in all, for me anyway, a good start and finally some steel in the players
— โฝ๏ธ SwanseaJack ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ (@SwanseaBayJack) August 5, 2023
Abdulai and Cullen made a massive difference to tempo.
Pato can go.
First half was Rusty style football at its worst culminating in an abysmal goal to concede
Key was quality. Signs of promise for sure
— Jonesy (@craigyjones1983) August 5, 2023
Decent performance and weโll get better as the season goes on. Decision making still needs to improve the goal we conceded was a prime example. Overall happy.
— JACK IN A ๐ฆ (@HoldTightJac) August 5, 2023
Brilliant battle. Very even teams. Great work ethic from Yates. Key looks like a steal. Nice to see a fan base get behind the team for 90min
— Michael Rees (@MichaelRees91) August 5, 2023
Finding feet with new roles / style. Quicker to get the ball forward and Key looks like a real find. Cautious optimism.
— Rob Blake (@robblake13) August 5, 2023
Cut out sloppy play at the back and we will be ok. Tom Brady`s buying in to Brum with 8 BOUGHT players shows their intent. Will be the dark horse this season>
wow. some people watched a different game to me.
until the goal (a thing of real beauty and class), there were probably only 2 or 3 real moments of quality, inventive play by us during the game. two involved Piroe, doing one-twos with Pato and with Fulton.
shape was too static. long, aimless balls out of defence, where we coughed back up possession as we didn’t win one header, when the ball was actually directed towards one of our players. Too much space between players and units, meaning players had to make too many long passes, which were easily intercepted. And saw players isolated. Key in particular always received the ball with at least 4 Birmingham players around them, and not a white shirt in sight.
we don’t have the tallest side, at the top end of the pitch. And we dont have the quickest side either. So we need to use our strengths. Passing through sides. Moving. finding space, pass the ball to player in space.
there was no sign of a high press. a fast, aggressive press. or high octane football promised by Duff. And to be honest, do we have a squad capable of that? I dont think we do.
I really think it’s too early to make any assumptions and first game nerves.
I was so glad to see the end of martinball but would have liked to have seen a bit more composure at the back.
It will take time to settle in to a new style of play after 2 yrs of dross. But I’m optimistic of a better more free flowing season
A few positives – keeper was excellent – Key and Yates looked good – nice to see a fightback .
Negatives – hard to work out the shape and objective- back three seemed obsessed with the worst of last seasonโs laborious passing -the three midfielders chosen looked all wrong together with very little movement – crying out for Ollie Cooper and a fit Joe Allen and unfortunately Ntcham
Early doors some players were impressive,too much dawdling at the back in front of an excellent keeper
A Joe Allen or Ollie Cooper is needed to get the ball moving forward quicker, Paterson was only good in short bursts
Aziz Abdulai was good ,Yates a good buy and Cullen looked very sharp as did Key playing on the wrong wing but read the game well Like Harry Darling but again not playing in his best position Wood was quiet and all in all good signs but the remnants of the Martin way of playing were still prevalent which meant we were open to the fast wingers of Birmingham.Early doors as mentioned and can get better but it takes time for new players to fit in but the signs are good
This lot doesnโt look good enough for this league!