The Swans were not a poor second yesterday at the Swansea.Com. What they were summed up the opening nine games of this league campaign. Frustrating and losing confidence. And all that despite bossing games and looking far better than at this stage last season.
In fact Stoke City had more chances in the final added minutes than they did all game. The Swans eeked out numerous first half opportunities, but then conspired to try and throw the game away after head coach, Luke Williams made a number of second half substitutions. It was Stoke keeper Viktor who kept his side in the game with a string of saves, however this was two more points dropped.
Ronald had a lot more of the play, but his two chances to score he really should have taken, plus Eom slamming the ball against the crossbar after such good work. Viktor again saved. It was a shame that the continual chances presented to the Swans were not converted, one goal would have won this game. However, much the same as the games against Cardiff, Bristol City and today more points were squandered. The positive is the Swans are undefeated at home, and as expected mid table in eleventh (for now) with nine games played, three won, three drawn and three lost. Luke was not as frustrated as he has been of late after games have not gone his way. "I think it's fair. I think we were value for a victory, but you get what you deserve in football, and I don't think we deserved to get more in the end. We wasted big chances, and in that way, you get punished in football. I think the players have to believe it's their turn to have the spotlight and have the glory. If you don't believe it, you find ways to snatch the ball or not put it over the line”
Those chances came and went, the performance of Viktor in goal for Stoke was impressive, everything that was thrown at him he saved, and on another day the Swans would have earned the points. On his players failure to win games and score sufficient goals Williams was adamant. Especially regards Liam Cullen and Zan Vipotnik. "They're recognised number nines, strikers and I'm backing them completely. I trust them and I believe in them and it's my job as well as there's and I need to help them. Yes, of course, if somebody comes available that is perfect for us and everything fits then absolutely. But I'm not in any way desperate to bring somebody to replace these guys.I trust them and I'll continue to support them and they give everything every day. They will become everything that we want them to become."
Bar keeper, Vigouroux it was Eom who stood out for the Swans, his first half performance especially, he was most certainly exciting and created numerous chances. He even had a shot which was pushed onto the crossbar by the Stoke keeper. At times Eom was magical, precise and tricky, really something should have come from the chances he created. Harry Darling as well, he had two good chances to score, as did Vipotnik. A diving header in the second half stamping thise credentials from his manager. Williams is persistent and believes he has sufficient personnel. "But I agree it is the most difficult thing (scoring goals) But again, I'll repeat, I think the guys that we have got the quality because I see it day in day out. It is bringing that quality to the games when the stakes are higher, and there's more pressure. And they will, they will be able to do that for us for sure."
Ben Cabango (below at Sheff Utd) and Harry Darling again controlled most things on the day, and still there is no transfer breakthrough.
A look at the stats display the dominance yesterday, it was Stoke though who really did come back into the game over the last twenty minutes. The substitutions the Swans made had little impact, which unfortunately is becoming par for the course.
The break up of play by Franco and Cooper has aided the Swans this season. Franco industrious and threatening is a complete success for Sporting Director, Paul Watson and his team. He can’t just be blamed for the bad signings. Eom another excellent piece of business. The rest are yet to flourish. However, being the third lowest goal scorers in the league, only Cardiff and Preston have scored less, but that does need rapid attention. Luke has spoken about a trialist this coming week, we understand there are two. But they have to be better than we have, and surely that’s a big ask at this stage of the season.
⚽️ Luke Williams post match interview.
⚽️ Highlights.
⚽️ Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux 8 Josh Key 7 Ben Cabango 6 Harry Darling 7 Matt Grimes (captain) 7 Zan Vipotnik 6 (Liam Cullen 65) 5 Jisung Eom 8 (Florian Bianchini 77) 6 Josh Tymon 6 Goncalo Franco 7 (Jay Fulton 82) 5 Ollie Cooper 5 (Myles Peart-Harris 77) 5 Ronald 6 (Azeem Abdulai 77) 5
Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Joe Allen, Kyle Naughton, Nelson Abbey.
⚽️ Stoke City: Viktor Johansson, Michael Rose, Wouter Burger (Million Manhoef 54), Tom Cannon, Joon-Ho Bae (Andre Vidigal 65), Lewis Koumas (Jordan Thompson 54), Jordan Thompson, Ben Wilmot, Eric Bocat, Sam Gallagher (Emre Tezgel 84), Ben Gibson (captain), Andy Moran.
Substitutes: Jack Bonham, Enda Stevens, Tatsuki Seko, Junior Tchamadeu, Ashley Phillips.