Matthew Thomas brings us a guest article for Planet Swans as he looks at yesterday's defeat at Burnley and shares his thoughts on why he thinks it has gone wrong.
There's an air of stagnancy hanging over the Liberty Stadium right now.Â
After being heralded for their escape, from the Premier League doldrums, last season, the Swans find themselves staring down the barrel once again.Â
The cliché of fortunes changing after the international break will have Swans faithful calling tosh, for use of a 'better' word.Â
A 2-0 defeat to Burnley is only one of the mounting problems. Paul Clement's side look like they're destined for the Championship, even this early.Â
Points are not going to come, at home or away, the way this team and club is going. After the away defeat at Arsenal, the Swans were handed a golden opportunity to pick up some urgently needed points, with a run of games against Brighton, Burnley and Bournemouth.Â
Not purely based on their calibre, but more of the sense of urgency that accompanied these fixtures, most fans would have been looking at taking at least six points away from these games.Â
When Brighton visited South Wales, the Seagulls were searching for their first Premier League away win. And they comfortably sealed a 1-0 win, which really should have been more comfortable if we are being truly honest.Â
Burnley have really impressed this season and even if the Swans were in form, it would have been a tough task to come away from Turf Moor with a positive result.Â
Cork just had to score didn't he! I loved the guy here, but Swansea have a terrible knack of former players coming back to haunt them, in recent times. Graham, Bony and Allen have all done it.Â
Let's pray Gylfi is not in that kind of mood.Â
Looking ahead to Bournemouth, Eddie Howe has finally started getting results that reflect his side's style of football. Which distinctly resembles that of Brendan Rodgers' Swansea side of the past.Â
Their 4-0 thumping of Huddersfield sends a shiver down the spine. All we need is another team in the resurgence.Â
Midfield Chaos
Paul Clement has tinkered with his team so much now, that whatever combination he comes up with just won't bring any results.Â
Whether it be Britton, Carroll and Fer. Carroll, Fer and Sanches or Ki, Sanches and Clucas, Swansea's midfield is what is the leak that is slowly sinking the Swans' ship.Â
Why?Â
Simple, the Swans do not have a lung-busting box-to-box midfielder. No-one who is willing to plug the gaps in front of the defence, while also stretching teams at the attacking end.Â
The players that come to mind are Mark Gower and Darren Pratley. Both players had goals in their lockers and both did a fantastic job securing the middle of the park for Swansea.Â
It comes down the shear hard work and there is not enough of it, right now.Â
The likes of Ki Sung-Yeung, Tom Carroll and Leroy Fer are brilliant at keeping a straight line in the middle of the pitch, but when it comes to seeing danger and filling those gaps and readjusting their positions, it is non-existent.Â
How many times, in the last two to three seasons have opposition players picked the ball up in between the midfield and defence and the Swans have been punished for it.Â
Leroy Fer has two goals so far, this season, but his general play is so poor it's no wonder he's been relegated twice before. Against Burnley he was atrocious and is always a breath away from a yellow card, due to his poor tackling.Â
Fighting A Losing Battle
If this carries on, we can sew the Championship badge onto the shirts in time for Christmas Day.Â
With a complete lack of inspiration and motivation resonating from the Liberty, the Bluebird is catching fast and soon there maybe a new head of Wales' Premier League representation.
you can follow Matthew on Twitter @mcthomas2905
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