Rob Davies
Jerry Yates scored his second Swansea City goal to earn a point for his new side against a well organised Coventry City side.
Mark Robins’ men took the lead just two minutes before Yates’ reply as the Swans were held in their second home game of the campaign.
Matty Godden had put the Sky Blues ahead with a smart finish inside the box in a game of few clear cut chances for either team with Coventry probably edging the game overall.
Michael Duff made just one change with the impressive substitute from last weekend Charlie Patino preferred to Ollie Cooper.
Rushworth
Darling – Cabango – Wood
Ashby – Fulton – Grimes – Patino – Key
Yates – Piroe
In a brighter start to what we saw against Birmingham City a fortnight ago, the Swans were sharper in possession although Coventry had more of the ball than the home team.
That was something that was unheard of for the last two seasons but is something that Duff isn’t too concerned with – at the end of the day it’s a results business and as we’ve seen quire often possession doesn’t win football matches.
Jay Fulton was the first to have a shot on goal but his effort from outside the box skimmed just wide before Coventry had a couple of opportunities.
They both fell to big money signing Haji Wright who first skewed wide with his left foot and then hammered a powerful shot just wide of Rushworth’s right hand post from outside the box.
Some hesitancy within the Swans box led to the opener for the Sky Blues as the three centre backs were caught on the ball eventually leading to some neat interplay before the finish by Godden.
But the response was virtually instant; the uptight Latibeaudiere was caught napping at left centre back allowing Ashby to cross a bouncing ball first time for Yates to nod home at the near post.
The fans sensed a second goal before half time but again the lack of creativity was obvious with the three sitting central midfielders a barrier for the type of high octane football Duff wants to introduce.
Half time came and went without a change for either side aa the Swans sought their first win under the new manager.
What was noticeable was that the overlapping centre half role which Duff was a big promoter for with Barnsley saw Harry Darling both in the first and second half with plenty of forays forward.
The lack of quality in final ball was again clear however with overhit crosses and a general confusion of what the hell to do with the football within 40 yards of the opposition goal.
The only real incidents of the second half aside from substitutions from both sides came with a spell of heavy Coventry possession towards the end of the game.
With what felt like six successive corners they still couldn’t find the crucial breakthrough to take three points back to the Midlands as the Swans held firm at the back.
It was clearly an improvement on what we saw at West Brom defensively but still much to work on in an attacking capacity. There’s a lack of fluidity at times which is to he expected but despite all the additions, more are still needed.
Duff is known to want a centre back, a left back and one would think maybe a number 10 who is capable of scoring from midfield.
The difficulty we have with this system is that we have 9 players who don’t score goals on the pitch. Exclude the back five you have a midfield trio that combined have a career total of less than 20 goals and there in lies the problem placing all the burden on Yates and Piroe up top.
Three holding midfielders at home is a struggle. Undoubtedly we were more solid but clear cut chances and shots for that matter were at a premium.
Still work to do then.
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Definite improvement and that’s the main thing.We defended better , we played quicker and harder .
The main problem is that we are too static in midfield .
If we played a back four we could pkay an extra midfielder which would improve our shape .
Spot on Wyn. We were more solid than vs Birmingham but not creating enough.