Five Things We Learned From Sunderland Match
The Swans continued their unbeaten start to the season at Sunderland on Saturday but again it was another one of those days where it could have been more had it not been for a post and a few good saves from a goalkeeper on form but what 5 things did we learn from the game?
1. Gylfi Sigurdsson is off form
The return to fitness of Ki Sung-Yeung could well put Gylfi's place under pressure. He is just not hitting the high levels of last season at the moment. We know that form is temporary and class is permanent but at the moment the form isn't quite there, we know though it will come back but he may find himself on the bench for a couple of games?
2. Expectation levels are at an all time high
I was looking through the player ratings that had been submitted after the game on the site yesterday and was amazed at how low the scores were on a performance that was very good. To see players rated 7 or lower when they had very good games makes me wonder what the expectation is. A point away from home in the Premier League is always a good point isn't it?
3. Bafetimbi Gomis can top the scoring charts
Ok so three goals in three games could feel like this is a little over confident in terms of the statement but I truly believe it could happen. Gomis links well with all our midfielders and can finish with his feet and his head. He got another one yesterday and was desperately unlucky with the header in the second half. He could get 20+ goals this season quite comfortably I think
4. Fernandez and Williams are possibly the best pairing in the Premier League
Another one that possibly feels like an exaggeration but there are not that many stronger defensive units than these two if any. It is not just about the way that they defend but it is the way that they hold the ball and the ease at which they turn a dangerous attack from the opposition into an attack for the Swans. It's not lost on me that it was Fernandez that lost possession for Sunderland's equaliser but that shouldn't stop us continuing in this style. Quite happy for someone to suggest a stronger one but I'm not sure it can be done?
5. At this level chances are everything
We were unlucky yesterday and had Ayew or Gomis aimed two inches further to the right then we would have had two more goals to our name. However, what it did tell us was that sometimes that comes back to haunt you and it was their only chance of note yesterday and they scored from it. Killing the opposition off when we have them on the backfoot is critical.
What to read next:
Gwyn’s Eye View : Swansea City v MillwallGlyn is back with his favourite stats as we build up to the last game of the season. That comes in the form of Millwall who it seems are close to selling their requested 1,148 allocation, so its down to the Jack Army to do their bit this bank holiday weekend.
The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.
Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and
wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.