There will be dark and cold reflections on yesterday afternoon and the seven goals we witnessed at the Swansea.com stadium between the Swans and Leeds. Not least the fact it was one of those games that Swansea let slip away once again.
A roaring start, a well taken goal from Harry Darling (below) and yes, a Matt Grimes set piece that worked was the start of the tense proceedings. A Swans side that never really looks out of place, no matter who they play taking an unexpected lead in front of an expecting crowd. With storms and concerns of some clouds called ‘Bert’ both sets of fans made it to the ground. Although the fixture couldn’t sell out, it more than made that up with atmosphere, especially after that golden start after seven minutes. It gave the game hope and despite the usual rudimentary errors from the same players, we saw a performance that wrecked any Leeds fans belief this was going to be an easy fixture.
The issues though reared their ugly heads on numerous occasions. An inability to hold on to possession which led to the Leeds equaliser, Grimes this time the offender. The bounce of the ball going the visitors way as Daniel James, once revered at the Swans crossed for what looked like an offside goal from Manor Solomon. Marginally, had there been VAR there may well have been some review. But it looked okay to an extent. We saw the train like runs from James throughout the game, a player right in form as is his Wales counterpart, Liam Cullen. If he has had a better week in a Swans and Wales shirt then we haven’t heard about it. The Swans matching Leeds all over the pitch bar the errors which would haunt them at the end of this game.
The ‘at times’ dangerous Ronald, switching wings and trying desperately to make his mark cleverly played in Cullen, who right on the brink of half time put the Swans ahead for a second time. He placed his weak shot to Meslier’s right, it took a very slight deflection and crept in much to the delight of the crowd. Yes, the capacity wasn’t reached, but for those who still live at home there are bills to pay in a tough world that dictates decisions between leisure and food. Domestic payments and enjoyment. Association football isn’t the working class game it once was, and vast sums are spent to reach games be they home or away. Over 17,000 was decent, but yes we need to see a lot more done.
Chairman Andrew Coleman is on record as stating just that.
This was a game for those who know what they want from their football, and the second half brought with it as much frustration as it did belief. Myles Peart-Harris, a Brentford loanee had another risqué game. He doesn’t seem to have the control or pace for this division. We saw him fall over the ball, misdirect passes and make the wrong decisions, but he wasn’t alone. However, both Joe Allen and Franco found it tough going too, they were substituted in the second half. Grimes was trying extra hard with Ronald the wing man doing the same - more mistakes were evident. And as per Leeds first goal their equaliser was so similar. James again utilising space out on his right after melancholy football from the Swans. This enabled him to cross again into the Swans box. This time with the first goal scenario about to repeat itself Ben Cabango slid in to intercept the cross. He diverted it into his own net.
It’s the issue of a total lack of concentration at times that frustrates many Swans followers. The lack of ability yes, but awareness on the ball is the true reflection. With the teams level we all thought there would be one more goal in this. Swansea did try, but a lack of execution when needed was the response - but that went for Leeds as well. Grimes, Peart Harris and Josh Tymon to an extent all could have put a stop to the next goal in midfield. The bravery and commitment just wasn’t there. Grimes jogging back as James was put away to cause the Swans more heartache.
The fifth goal did come and we can only ask why Ronald was sleeping when Strujik cleverly chipped his pass to Sam Byram out on his left, he then picked out Solomon who put his side 3-2 up. The build up was well watched by substitute Jay Fulton, no pressing and with Ronald taking a time out the goal was inevitable. Eyes turned to watches and time left, and there was time left. The Swans did press with renewed energy, and they had chances. Florian Bianchini had a magnificent chance to level, but in front of goal he just weakly passed the ball to the Leeds keeper. Then it was a good move from the Swans, Grimes, Josh Key and Tymon all involved. A cross which reached Abdulai with a clear header on goal, and he had time to think it through, it was shockingly executed. An embarrassing finish.
Man of the match for the Swans was Josh Key, playing a more open role he shot from thirty yards only to see it saved. Then the late, late drama was here, again Grimes carefully pulling strings in midfield with Darling who found Tymon out of the Swans left. His first time cross was perfect and this time Bianchini (below) made good. Sliding in at pace he forced the ball home. 3-3. Post match Leeds manager, Daniel Farke would remark he thought that was it. But of course it wasn’t.
The Swans pushed forwards, the winner was there for them. Then enter Josh Key. For all his effort and good work he lazily passed the ball to a Leeds player, it was amateurish. We saw a quick move with James again instrumental. Another wide open space as Gnonto rushed in on goal to make it 4-3. You just knew it. No matter the better sides this season we have seen the Swans lose by the odd goal. Burnley, Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, all away - and now Leeds United at home. All dropped points that could have been claimed. There is a genuine lack of experience within this Swansea side. Players who can for a moment go from hero to zero. If ever there was a game to fit that statement this was it.
It does make Derby County away this coming Wednesday (8pm) another edgy game. The Swans are now looking downwards with just four points clear of relegation. It’s a false position we know that, but we just cannot hear the same lines from Luke Williams all the time, the players really have to take responsibility. They need to switch on and wake up at crucial moments as was displayed for every Leeds goal yesterday. The Whites have taken top spot in the Championship and the Swans remain in fourteenth.
A new era for the club with new money too, but all that is doing is paying the bills and keeping the lights on. Just in case of course anyone thought there are millions to spend. Another frustrating and disappointing afternoon, but really they do have to stop. January is a must.
Luke Williams post match.
"I am pleased with almost all of the game in terms of performance. But the result is really difficult to accept. The performance certainly doesn’t look like anything less than a team that's top half at least. I certainly don’t feel like we looked miles apart from Leeds, that we should be fourteenth and Leeds are top. But we have to win games we are clearly capable of winning and games where we are by far the best team. I don’t think this is the game where I can say we should have won, absolutely not. But there have been plenty where I have felt we have done more than enough to win and we haven't done that."
Highlights.
⚽️ Swansea City: Vigouroux; 6 Key, 8 Darling, 6 Cabango, 6 Tymon; 7 Grimes (c), 6 Franco 6 (Bianchini 75) 6 Peart-Harris 5 Allen 5 (Fulton 58) 4 Ronald 6 (Abdulai 84) 5 Cullen 6
Subs: McLaughlin, Vipotnik, Bianchini, Tjoe-a-On, Christie, Naughton, Abbey
⚽️ Leeds United: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Strujik, Byram (Guilavogui 84); Rothwell (Wober 84), Tanaka; Solomon (Gnonto 75), Aaronson, James (Debayo 90+5); Piroe (Joseph 75)
Subs: Darlow, Bamford, Ramazani, Crew
Att : 17,200
1,800 away