Rob Davies
It might be early days in Luke Williams’ tenure but a win away at play off chasing Hull City was exactly the tonic we all needed ahead of an even tougher week of fixtures ahead.
The Swans turned the form book on its head with a classy away day performance which showed residence and quality when it mattered to move the Swans seven points clear of the drop zone this evening.
The first half resembled a different Swansea City side to what we’ve seen for some time; pace out wide on both sides, a clinical finish from a corner kick and strength at the back. It was a really good watch.
And with Leeds and Ipswich both coming up at home this week it gives us exactly the boost we need for two tough battles with yet another injury worry late on this afternoon.
With Harrison Ashby and Josh Key both injured right back duties were left to stalwart Kyle Naughton and whilst he performed commendably he pulled up in the second half leaving Williams scratching around for defensive cover.
It took just eleven minutes for the breakthrough as Josh Tymon’s clever corner routine was finished smartly at the near post by Liam Cullen – something which Williams was willing to take no credit for and instead passed the plaudits to assistant Alan Sheehan.
Whilst it remained 1-0 the Swans were the better side throughout. When the ball was lost somebody was there to press. When an out ball was needed it was sent down either wing for Placheta and Ronald to stretch the opposition. And Matt Grimes was further forward than we’ve seen some time.
It can’t be underestimated how decent Hull City are – with several quality loan players like Fabio Carvalho and Anass Zaroury along with the dangerous Jaden Philogene – but in truth they barely had a sniff and Placheta probably should have made it more comfortable.
Ronald was again impressive, his touch was sharp and his pace is incredible and he always seems to have that knack of finding the right pass too. A good friend I watched the game with – a Birmingham City fan no less – remarked how much flair he had – he’s not wrong. This will no doubt be the next big money player to sell…
As for the usually porous defence, all four players have to be commended and Nathan Wood was exemplary after some horrendous form since his return from injury. This was more like the £10m player that Southampton wanted last summer.
Even the substitutes made an impact with Ollie Cooper providing plenty of energy in what has been a below par season after his breakthrough last year.
The only real opportunity Hull carved out fell to the ageing Billy Sharp who beat Rushworth from distance but his weak effort was kept out by the aforementioned Wood.
Overall it was a very satisfying day for Swansea City and demonstrates that there is potential in this team. Nobody should get carried away especially with two tough games at home this week but this is exactly the confidence boost we needed after the miserable loss against Plymouth Argyle last time out.
Onwards and upwards.
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