Swansea City: half-season review

Swansea fans will be delighted with how their team has performed so far this season. Sitting in second place and a return to the Premier League on the horizon, the fans couldn’t ask for more and will hope that their incredible form will continue. 

Five key games 

Preston North End 0-1 Swansea City

After having lost their first competitive fixture of the season in the EFL Cup against Newport, Swansea looked to their first league game of the season against Preston. This fixture saw league debuts for Korey Smith, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jamal Lowe.

The Swans left Deepdale as 1-0 winners after a second-half Gibbs-White tap-in with Jake Bidwell showing great attacking play to set him up. The goal turned out to be Swansea’s only shot on target in the game which lacked opportunities for both sides. However, it was a win and a clean sheet that got their season up and running.

Swansea City 1-2 Huddersfield Town

Coming into this fixture, Swansea were unbeaten in their opening four matches with three wins and a draw. Also, the Swans had only conceded one goal in those matches. However, this was the first game since the departure of the excellent Joe Rodon. Without a replacement lined up, Kyle Naughton was drafted in to play in his place.

It only took 23 minutes for Swansea to concede their first goal without Rodon in defence after a poorly defended corner. Swansea levelled just before half-time after an Andre Ayew penalty. Huddersfield piled on the pressure early in the second half and their persistent attacking was rewarded with a Josh Koroma effort that the Swansea defence failed to close down.

The Swans had suffered their first league defeat of the season and conceded twice, which was a sign that a new defender was needed to fill the gap left by Rodon.

Cardiff City 0-2 Swansea City

The fixture that both sets of fans look forward to every season, the South Wales Derby. This is a match that’s viewed by millions and is one of the biggest derbies in the world. Derby day is always a nervous time for both sets of fans, but Swans fans were expecting a very difficult match as Cardiff had won five on the bounce ahead of this fixture.

Any form of pre-match nerves would’ve been shattered as Swansea took the lead after only six minutes through Lowe. Cardiff failed to pose a serious threat towards Swansea’s defence and Freddie Woodman in goal, and the game was sealed in the 72nd minute as Lowe got another after an incredible solo effort. A delightful goal that won December goal of the month in the Championship and will undoubtedly be a contender for goal of the season.

Derby County 2-0 Swansea City

With confidence on a serious high after a derby day victory just four days before, Swansea traveled to Pride Park to visit a Derby side in serious trouble. Before kick-off, Swansea had one of the best defences in the EFL and Derby had the worst attacks in the league having only scored eight goals in 18 matches. All signs were pointing towards a Swansea win. Unfortunately, for the Swans, the Championship is one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world.

Swansea were unchanged from their win against Cardiff, but it certainly didn’t seem that way. Derby found themselves 2-0 up after 37 minutes and the Swans were brought down back to earth after their heroics against the Bluebirds. Steve Cooper found his side in a spot of bother and made a triple substitution at half-time and used them all up by the end of the game, which has been a rarity since he took charge last season.

Swansea managed no shots on target against a team who were struggling for points in the relegation zone. Cooper had food for thought as his unchanged side were a shadow of what they were just four days prior.

Swansea City 2-1 Watford

An important fixture for the Swans which showed guts and determination from everyone on the pitch. Watford had recently appointed new boss Xisco who won his first game in charge of the Hornets against title-chasing Norwich.

Swansea fell behind in the first half to a Tom Cleverly strike but then deservedly equalised just before half-time from a delightful effort from Lowe outside the box. Lowe’s celebration made it onto Ben Foster’s YouTube video which saw the striker celebrate in front of the goalkeeper’s GoPro.

Swansea continued their momentum in the second half and Lowe was on hand yet again to head home from an outstanding Korey Smith cross.

This would be Swansea’s 23rd game in the league this season but the first time they’d come from behind to win. The player’s heads never dropped, even after conceding early on.

Players of the season

Jamal Lowe

Fans were excited after the announced signing of Jamal Lowe from Wigan at the start of the season, but his early performances weren’t what were expected. Lowe had only scored two goals in his first 18 games in all competitions but has since scored seven in seven. Since his brace in the South Wales Derby, Lowe has been in inspiring form, looking like a player oozing with confidence and able to take on any defender that comes his way.

Connor Roberts

The Welsh international has been incredible for both club and country this season. Playing as a wing-back, Roberts has been able to use his amazing athleticism to attack and defend when needed, without breaking a sweat. Roberts covers an unbelievable amount of ground which gives his opposition a constant headache in every match. Roberts has chipped in with two goals and five assists this season making him the third highest goal contributor in the team.

Freddie Woodman

The goalkeeper has been on loan at the Swans since the start of the 2019/20 campaign and has loved every minute of being in South Wales. Interacting with Swans fans on his social media posts, Woodman shows the love that he has for the club and would definitely consider making his move permanent. Woodman, on loan from Newcastle, has been the shot-stopper for the best defence in the EFL 92 this season having only conceded 13 goals and will be looking to continue his form for the remainder of the season.

Jay Fulton

Making his first appearance for Swansea back in 2014, the Scotsman has struggled to cement a place in their midfield ever since. However this season, Fulton has been a key player in midfield for the Swans after some great performances alongside Matt Grimes and Korey Smith, and has earned himself a new contract. Fulton has been a solid defensive midfielder this season but has been given the freedom to attack and has chipped in with a couple of goals and assists. A Scotland call-up is surely on the cards for the 26-year-old.

What next?

After an incredible season thus far, the Swans will be looking to keep up their momentum to secure a promotion spot back to the Premier League. However, in their way next is Brentford who haven’t lost a league game since October, a side who are definitely keen to overtake Swansea in the automatic promotion spot.

Swansea will also be seeking revenge as they host Manchester City in the FA Cup in February. The Citizens were lucky last time out against the Swans after multiple refereeing errors handed them the win. A spot in the sixth round awaits the winners.

 

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