Season 20/21: The Official Swansea City v Reading Match Thread

[swansnews]

Swansea City v Reading
The Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea
Wednesday December 29 2020, 8pm Kick Off

This match will be broadcast on Sky Sports football

After back to back wins over Barnsley and QPR, the Swans find themselves going into a home game double header in the automatic promotion places in the Championship although that could have all changed by the time kick off comes around.

At the time of writing, Reading are 6th in the table and will prove to be the first of two tough tests for the Swans this week - this game is followed by the visit of Watford to the Liberty on Saturday (Watford are currently 5th)

A good return of points from these two games (you can vote in the site poll as to how many points you think we will get here) will take us to the halfway mark of the season with a points tally in line with an automatic promotion push which it is starting to feel very much as if we are on.

Of course, victory against Reading will see us finish the year in that much coveted top two place and it will be interesting to see how it spurs our owners on to invest in the team if there is a chance of the Premier League riches at the end of it.

As ever on Planet Swans we have for you some of the most comprehensive pre-match coverage in our matchday thread that will bring you all we need to know over the next few days as well as all the chat during the match together with every post match follow up you would wish to read (and maybe even more!)

 

[swansnews]

The vital statistics

Last 6 meetings
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Last 6 at the Liberty
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Per Game Stats
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Goal statistics
View attachment Goals.jpg

Discipline
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Team characteristics
View attachment Characteristics.jpg

Top scorers comparison
View attachment Top Scorers.jpg

 

[swansnews]

LAST TIME OUT AT THE MADEJSKI STADIUM
Reading 1 Swansea City 4
EFL Championship
22 July 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rgwdv8bTnA

You can watch the full match replay of this game by clicking here

 

[swansnews]

LAST TIME OUT AT THE LIBERTY STADIUM
Swansea City 1 Reading 1
EFL Championship
28 September 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLUDr3Rhxw0

 

[swansnews]

LAST TIME OUT FOR THE SWANS
QPR 0 Swansea City 2
The Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium
26 December 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdIpNH9EFX4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAG30Q-qbJI&t=42s

 

[swansnews]

LAST TIME OUT FOR READING
Reading 2 Luton Town 1
EFL Championship
26 December 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Q6zv4cFSY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja3jQ4DDgxQ

 

[swansnews]

MEET THE REF

Wednesday's Ref Is David Webb



David Webb will take charge of the Swans for the first time this season when Reading visit the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday night in a clash between two promotion candidates. Whilst it is his first time in charge of the Swans this season, he has previously officiated Reading games - a 2-1 win at Cardiff in September and a 3-2 defeat at Coventry at the end of October.

In 15 previous Championship appearances this season he has produced 39 yellow cards and 4 reds although with just 3 yellows and a red in his last 3 games it suggests a slow down in card delivery...

His last game in charge of the Swans was an eventful one - the 4-4 draw at Hull back in February although that was more a reflection of a mad second half that saw six goals shared rather than anything from a refereeing perspective although all three yellow cards in the game were for Swans players.

After taking up the whistle aged 20, David Webb became an EFL Referee in 2008 following various spells in the Northern League and the National League.

David has taken charge of over 300 matches in professional football, and joined the Select Group 2 list last season.

Webb represented PGMOL at the Dallas Cup in 2009 and as part of the exchange programme to Australia in 2018, and also refereed the League Two Play-Off Final between Coventry City and Exeter City in 2018.

Webb was criticised by Steve Cooper last December after booking George Byers for simulation against Luton and was convinced a penalty should have been awarded "We've seen the decision on the penalty back," he said at the time.

"Not only is it an absolutely stonewall penalty, but George gets a booking.

"With him being a midfield player he can quite easily pick up yellow cards and get a suspension down the line when he shouldn't, so I'm disappointed to be fair."

View attachment Webb Referee.jpg

 

[swansnews]

BLAST FROM THE PAST
Swansea City 4 Reading 2
The Championship Play-off Final
Wembley Stadium, London
30 May 2011

The day the Premier League got a Welsh team for the first time

View attachment Play Off 3.jpg

A day out at Wembley that none of us will ever forget. The Swans rise from the bottom of the football league to the riches of the Premier League was completed in the 'richest game in football' Scott Sinclair grabbed a hat-trick whilst Stephen Dobbie scored a poignant goal at the most appropriate time as the Swans fought off a brave Reading comeback to reach the promised land.

Match highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQkXtw7vucI

The Planet Swans Match Report

An enthralling game saw Swansea City reach the promise land of the Premier League following a scintillating 4-2 play-off final triumph over Reading.

Three first half goals from the Swans ensured that the Premier League will see its first Welsh team next season as a frantic 20 minutes in the first proved enough to see off the challenge of Reading, and gave Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, the perfect response for his former side - having been sacked after just six months in charge at the Madejski Stadium.

Scott Sinclair scored three goals for the first time in a playoff final since Clive Mendonca acheived that feat in 1998. It was enough to destroy Reading’s spirit and hopes of regaining top-flight status.

Reading was quickly undone in 120 seconds of the first half. Zurab Khizanishvili, who was already on a yellow card, was beaten by the pace of Nathan Dyer and the Georgian brought down the Swans man. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and the nervous few moments for Reading continued as they could have been reduced to ten men, but leniency was on offer from Dowd and the on-loan defender remained on the field.

Punishment was dealt out from the boot of Sinclair as he confidently stroked the ball past Adam Frederici to give the Welsh side the lead.

With Reading down, Swansea put the boot in again. A run down the right from Stephen Dobbie beat the Reading defence and his daisy cutting cross was redirected by Frederici into the path of the man of the moment Sinclair, who tapped in from three yards.

Brian McDermott’s side were capitulating whilst Swansea could not believe their luck.

Reading entered a period of the game where they were content to just hold on for dear life. The attacking impetus was sacrificed for control. This spell was smashed to smithereens when Nathan Dyer powered down Reading’s left flank again and his cross was deflected by Khizanishvili into the path of Stephen Dobbie who’s comfortable finish belied the pressure he was  under.

Swansea’s Premier League dreams was becoming a reality in front of them whilst Reading’s season was dissolving. The Playoffs were dealing the cruelty out again.

As the players returned to the dressing rooms for half-time, matters continued to deteriorate for Reading with sub, Jay Tabb and coach, Nigel Gibbs both being sent off following foul and abusive language aimed towards the officials.


View attachment Play Off 1.jpg


The need for a Reading response after the interval was vital, and McDermott's side were quick to fight back.

That response arrived when a cross from Jobi McAnuff was met at the near post by Noel Hunt who flicked header deflected off of Swan's defender Joe Allen and beyond De Vries in the Swansea net. Game on.

The Reading spirit was tremendous and the revival moved up a gear when from another corner, captain Matt Mills’ header gave the Royals their second goal. The mood inside Wembley was turned on it’s head and it was Swansea’s turn to withdraw into their shell.

At this point in the game, the result was as delicately balanced as it could be with neither side holding the whip. Reading could have levelled matters if Jem Karacan’s shot did not hit the post.

But with the Royals seemingly edging their way from passengers towards the driving seat, Swansea were given the hammer to apply the final nail in the coffin, after a needless foul by Andy Griffin saw Sinclair grab his hat-trick from the spot.

Reading didn't give up and the application they showed in the final period of the game was commendable, but the work of Sinclair was too much and the Welsh side can look forward to welcoming the likes of Manchester United to south Wales come August.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers

The footballing Gods were with us today. The Premier League will be a better place with Swansea in it. It’s a beautiful place

We had great motivation going into the game. We have Rod Stewart on at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday and he said to us if we win the game he wants us all on stage.

So all the staff and players will be there on Wednesday night up with Rod. Maggie May the whole lot. I love Rod Stewart. But I’m a hopeless singer.’

Eight years ago the club couldn’t pay the electric bill and now we’ve won a £90m game. It will be very tough next year but we have targets to help us keep our identity.

I want to give the players here a chance but we’ll need to strengthen. I won’t break the team up but I want to add to it. It’s part of a great journey the club is on.

View attachment 1

Swansea captain Garry Monk

You dream of this, it's just nuts.  I spoke to Alan Tate and said that I've not seen much like this in my life.  Just to see so many happy people, so many smiles on people's faces.

This has been coming for a long time now, we deserve it, not just for today, all credit to Reading as well as they had a right pop at it, they had nothing to lose at the time but we managed to see it through and thank God we did.

Monk on the Besian tribute t-shirts

We said right at the first game of the season that whatever we do this season let's make sure we keep him in mind and from time to time in certain games he's come to the fore and today was another occasion.

We spoke about him in the huddle and we made sure his family at home could be proud of him and proud of what he means to use and as much as this is for the fans it is for Besian as well.

View attachment Play Off 4.jpg

Watch the full match

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NT2TFDfkxg

 

[swansnews]

The midweek fixture list

View attachment Midweek Fixtures.jpg

 

[Official Site News]

JAKE BIDWELL | WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING, THERE ARE NO PRIZES YET

Source: Swansea Official Site

Jake Bidwell believes Swansea City have set a great foundation over the first half of the season, but warned it will only count for something if they build on it.

The Swans climbed to second in the Championship table with a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Boxing Day.

Steve Cooper’s side have kept 12 clean sheets in their 21 games so far, including five in their last six outings.

There have been just 12 goals conceded, while the in-form pair of Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew have provided goals at the other end.

All of which points to the Swans being in good shape ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Reading, but Bidwell knows the importance of remaining focused.

“We have put a good foundation in place,” he said.

“We are in a good place and in the parts of the table we want to be in if we are going to achieve something.

“But it will not count for anything if we are not able to keep it going.

“No-one is handing any prizes out when the season is not quite halfway through.

“That comes if you are able to finish the job over a full season.

“That’s the challenge for us, to keep improving, to focus on getting better every day and reaching the high standards we and the coaches set ourselves.”

 

[swansnews]

In the opposition dugout



Veljko Paunovic

Veljko Paunovic was appointed Reading manager in August 2020 having previously managed Serbia teams at under-18 and under-19 level before leading the Serbs to the World Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2015. The competition, played in New Zealand, saw the Serbian team defeat Brazil 2-1 in the final with the winner - in the 118th minute - setting of scenes of celebration all over the country.

Carousels of honking cars with flags, people dancing and singing on the streets, some of them even swimming in a fountain.

"I believed we could send a message in this tournament," Paunovic said during the tournament. "A message of unity of passion, and playing with heart. And I hope we can ignite our people to start living this style of life after 20 years of struggle and difficult times.

"We are doing our best to represent Serbia in best possible way. We want people to respect us, but at the same time, we have to respect our opponents. We do not steal time, we do not dive, that is not the good spirit. We play football and enjoy it!"



After that World Cup triumph, the Serb went to the MLS and was manager of Chicago Fire for four years, guiding them to the play offs in 2017 before leaving at the end of 2019.

Upon his appointment at the Madejski Stadium, Reading owner Dai Yongge said: "With vast experience of top flight football as both a player and a coach across Europe and in the United States, and with proven pedigree of successfully working with young up-and-coming footballers on both the domestic and international scene, I am confident Veljko can help take this club forward.

"This has been a process and this appointment has been made only after long, careful consideration.

"After meeting with him, we found Veljko to be an exceptional candidate who impressed us immediately. I am sure he is the right man for Reading Football Club. I'm delighted he has agreed to sign as our new manager."

His impact was immediate as he led the Royals to three wins from three in September to take the Sky Bet manager of the month award (Steve Cooper was also nominated) and by the time October was finished they had 22 points from a possible 24 and sat top of the league. Four straight defeats followed, the last of which saw them lost top spot for the first time but 14 from the 27 available since sees them in 6th place after the weekend fixtures and they remain very much in the hunt for the end of season honours.

 

[Hammy]

In the opposition dugout

Veljko Paunovic 1.jpg

Veljko Paunovic

Veljko Paunovic was appointed Reading manager in August 2020 having previously managed Serbia teams at under-18 and under-19 level before leading the Serbs to the World Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2015. The competition, played in New Zealand, saw the Serbian team defeat Brazil 2-1 in the final with the winner - in the 118th minute - setting of scenes of celebration all over the country.

Carousels of honking cars with flags, people dancing and singing on the streets, some of them even swimming in a fountain.

"I believed we could send a message in this tournament," Paunovic said during the tournament. "A message of unity of passion, and playing with heart. And I hope we can ignite our people to start living this style of life after 20 years of struggle and difficult times.

"We are doing our best to represent Serbia in best possible way. We want people to respect us, but at the same time, we have to respect our opponents. We do not steal time, we do not dive, that is not the good spirit. We play football and enjoy it!"

Veljko Paunovic 3.jpg

After that World Cup triumph, the Serb went to the MLS and was manager of Chicago Fire for four years, guiding them to the play offs in 2017 before leaving at the end of 2019.

Upon his appointment at the Madejski Stadium, Reading owner Dai Yongge said: "With vast experience of top flight football as both a player and a coach across Europe and in the United States, and with proven pedigree of successfully working with young up-and-coming footballers on both the domestic and international scene, I am confident Veljko can help take this club forward.

"This has been a process and this appointment has been made only after long, careful consideration.

"After meeting with him, we found Veljko to be an exceptional candidate who impressed us immediately. I am sure he is the right man for Reading Football Club. I'm delighted he has agreed to sign as our new manager."

His impact was immediate as he led the Royals to three wins from three in September to take the Sky Bet manager of the month award (Steve Cooper was also nominated) and by the time October was finished they had 22 points from a possible 24 and sat top of the league. Four straight defeats followed, the last of which saw them lost top spot for the first time but 14 from the 27 available since sees them in 6th place after the weekend fixtures and they remain very much in the hunt for the end of season honours.

Veljko Paunovic 2.jpg

It's the battle of the World Cup winning managers :lol:

 

[KarlHRummenigge]

In the opposition dugout

Veljko Paunovic 1.jpg

Veljko Paunovic

Veljko Paunovic was appointed Reading manager in August 2020 having previously managed Serbia teams at under-18 and under-19 level before leading the Serbs to the World Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2015. The competition, played in New Zealand, saw the Serbian team defeat Brazil 2-1 in the final with the winner - in the 118th minute - setting of scenes of celebration all over the country.

Carousels of honking cars with flags, people dancing and singing on the streets, some of them even swimming in a fountain.

"I believed we could send a message in this tournament," Paunovic said during the tournament. "A message of unity of passion, and playing with heart. And I hope we can ignite our people to start living this style of life after 20 years of struggle and difficult times.

"We are doing our best to represent Serbia in best possible way. We want people to respect us, but at the same time, we have to respect our opponents. We do not steal time, we do not dive, that is not the good spirit. We play football and enjoy it!"

Veljko Paunovic 3.jpg

After that World Cup triumph, the Serb went to the MLS and was manager of Chicago Fire for four years, guiding them to the play offs in 2017 before leaving at the end of 2019.

Upon his appointment at the Madejski Stadium, Reading owner Dai Yongge said: "With vast experience of top flight football as both a player and a coach across Europe and in the United States, and with proven pedigree of successfully working with young up-and-coming footballers on both the domestic and international scene, I am confident Veljko can help take this club forward.

"This has been a process and this appointment has been made only after long, careful consideration.

"After meeting with him, we found Veljko to be an exceptional candidate who impressed us immediately. I am sure he is the right man for Reading Football Club. I'm delighted he has agreed to sign as our new manager."

His impact was immediate as he led the Royals to three wins from three in September to take the Sky Bet manager of the month award (Steve Cooper was also nominated) and by the time October was finished they had 22 points from a possible 24 and sat top of the league. Four straight defeats followed, the last of which saw them lost top spot for the first time but 14 from the 27 available since sees them in 6th place after the weekend fixtures and they remain very much in the hunt for the end of season honours.

Veljko Paunovic 2.jpg

It's the battle of the World Cup winning managers :lol:

Coops is on another level to this joker.

Coops and the team are pumping for more. Reading team is a mishmash without identity. A team of outcasts. Whereas we are a tight team of thoroughbreds managed by one of our own.

Another victory without doubt, this time by more than our usual 2 goal comfortable margin.

#InCoopsTeam we trust unch_tone5: :muscle_tone5: unch_tone5:

 

[swansnews]

How can I watch this on television?

SKY SPORTS

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Football

View attachment Sky-Sports-Football-2020-logo-250.png

SWANS TV

Season ticket holders will be able to watch the game using the viewing code they were sent via email prior to the first home fixture of the season. Season ticket holders will not need to redeem their code again if they have already activated it.

Due to the game being selected for live broadcast by Sky Sports, we are unable to offer live coverage to a wider international audience, only to those living in ‘dark market’ areas.

Please note that this list can change at any time, but currently the ‘dark market’ countries are: Albania, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Singapore, San Marino, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Ukraine, Vatican City and Vietnam.

Fans in these regions can purchase the game for £7.99

View attachment Swans TV 2.jpg

All technical queries regarding the stream should be emailed to swanstvlive@streamamg.com

 

[swansnews]