Five Things We Learned from Swansea City’s 3-1 Carabao Cup Win Over Crawley

Swansea City began their 2025/26 home season with a 3-1 victory over Crawley Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the match at the Swansea.com Stadium offered a fascinating glimpse into the Swans’ early-season form and provided a number of key takeaways. Here are five things we learned from the cup tie.

1. Ronald is Ready to Step Up

Brazilian winger Ronald was a consistent threat for Swansea City and proved his worth with an early opener. The forward, who has been with the club for a while, demonstrated an impressive level of directness and flair, constantly looking to get at the Crawley defence. His goal, a simple tap-in at the far post, was a reward for his sharp movement and willingness to get into dangerous positions. However, Ronald’s performance wasn’t just about the goal. He was a constant outlet on the wing, linking up well with teammates and creating a number of opportunities. While he did miss a gilt-edged chance later in the first half, his overall display was a clear sign that he is ready to take on a more prominent role this season. His pace and trickery will be a vital asset for Swansea as they look to add a different dimension to their attack.

2. The New Signings Showed Promise (and a Glimpse of the Future)

Alan Sheehan’s new-look squad featured several fresh faces, and they didn’t disappoint. The likes of Zeidane Inoussa, Bobby Wales, and Ethan Galbraith all made an impact. Inoussa, in particular, was a bright spark in the first half, showcasing his dribbling ability and vision. It was his clever play that led to Ronald’s opening goal. However, it was another new signing, Bobby Wales, who stole the show. The young striker, a summer acquisition from Kilmarnock, came off the bench and scored within three minutes of his debut. His goal, a composed finish after seizing on a loose ball, highlighted his poacher’s instinct and gave the home fans a reason to be excited about his potential. Ethan Galbraith, a highly-rated midfielder, also got on the scoresheet with a powerful late strike to seal the victory. These performances suggest that the club’s recruitment strategy is paying off and that there’s genuine talent among the new arrivals.

3. There are Still Defensive Concerns to Address

Despite the positive result, the match highlighted some of the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the team in the past. While Crawley, a League Two side, were largely kept at bay, they were able to create chances, and a late goal from Kabongo Tshimanga exposed a moment of defensive lapse. The goal came at a time when Swansea seemed to be in control and, for a few tense minutes, brought the visitors back into the game. While the red card for Crawley’s Gavan Holohan effectively ended any hopes of a comeback, the ease with which Tshimanga was able to find the net will be a point of concern for Sheehan and his coaching staff. As the Swans prepare for a challenging Championship campaign, tightening up at the back will be a top priority.

4. The Squad’s Depth Could Be a Key Strength

The Carabao Cup often provides a platform for managers to rotate their squads and test their depth, and this game was no exception. Swansea’s ability to bring on players of the calibre of Bobby Wales, Eom Jisung, and Cameron Congreve, and for them to make a positive contribution, is a very encouraging sign.  This depth will be crucial in a long and arduous season, where injuries and suspensions are inevitable. It suggests that the Swans are not overly reliant on a handful of key players and that they have a strong pool of talent to draw from when needed.

5. There’s a Renewed Sense of Optimism at the Swansea.com Stadium

After a mixed pre-season, a convincing win in the first competitive match of the campaign was exactly what Swansea City needed. The early goal from Ronald settled any nerves and allowed the team to play with a newfound confidence. The performances of the new signings, coupled with the goals from the bench, created a positive atmosphere and sent the fans home with a sense of excitement for the season ahead. While it’s only the first round of a cup competition, the manner of the victory and the flashes of quality on display suggest that Swansea could be set for a more successful campaign. The team looked cohesive, hungry, and full of attacking intent—a promising start that bodes well for the challenges to come.