Rob Davies
Russell Martin was a happy man after seeing his Swans team win at the fourth attempt this season thanks to Olivier Ntcham’s breakaway goal which earned a 1-0 win at Blackpool.
The Swans boss made noticeable changes to his tactical plan today – something which was clearly being targeted by the opposition for some time – with a slightly more direct approach playing dividends.
Martin had continually insisted that he wouldn’t resort to changing his style of play amidst criticism in recent weeks but perhaps today he proved that he can be adaptable when it matters.
He told the press post match: “I have said to the lads that I so happy for them.
“In the first-half they showed so much aggression and a willingness to take risks with the ball, we had a hunger to win it back quickly.
“There was a lot more energy and intensity in our play, which I liked and that is something I want us to keep building on.
“I think there was some tension because we hadn’t scored and we probably felt we should have. They were more aggressive but we have to be able to deal with that.
“He dives [for the penalty] and Blackpool had a really good spell. Fish (goalkeeper Andy Fisher) saves the penalty, but then the crowd is energised and they had a 15-minute spell where they caused us a few too many problems.
“We lost a bit of control, that is going to happen at times away from home, but we were able to deal with it, the fans were great in getting behind us.
“We looked like the team more likely to win the game the longer it went on, we limited them and in the end we got our reward.*
Things look a little bit more positive after a difficult few weeks and with two home games to come it’s a big opportunity for the team to lay a marker down in the Championship.
Andy Fishet i believe.