Swansea City earned themselves a point at Loftus Road last night but had to ride a few scares as they did so at fourth placed Queens Park Rangers. The swans are ever improving and a gritty performance emphasised this perfectly.
It has to be said that the swans looked as good as QPR throughout the game despite Ben Hamer being called upon on two occasions and pulling off some superb saves. The post also saved the swans in the second half but Hamer looked to have the shot covered. From the away sides point of view they countered a high press with Joel Latibeaudiere putting in yet another noticeable performance playing as left wing back. Mixing it throughout the game he wasn’t afraid to put in numerous tackles in the first half and his passing game has improved immensely now he is getting regular games time. Cyrus Christie was very evident in the first half probing the right side of the swans attack and again displayed how valuable he is going to be for the rest of the season.
Joel Piroe worked hard up front but once again found opportunities hard to come by and it was his replacement Michael Obafemi who found the net in the second half only to be ruled out for offside. It was just the right call as Obafemi got on the end of a precise passing movement to finish leaving QPR goalkeeper Marshal unable to stop the shot. The official on QPR’s left raised his flag much to the relief of the majority of the crowd. And on that point a tremendous Swansea following once again echoed their support around the stadium on a bitter cold night. As noted by Martin after the game he once again acknowledged the magnificent and large swans support.
Obafemi see’s his goal ruled out
The real dynamo of this swans side last night were the combined efforts of Flynn Downes, Matt Grimes and in support Ryan Manning. The latter was greeted in the way you would expect an ex player to be welcomed by the Loftus Road crowd, and his efforts and tireless running brought derision throughout the game as well. Downes would later see red for getting too involved with Charlie Austin late into the second half and will be missed for the trip to Hull City on Saturday.
Manager Russell Martin said of the sending off "Charlie Austin is clever, he's experienced. He headlocks Flynn Downes - I don't know what you expect Flynn to do. He is trying to get out of it and that's it really, then he gets pulled away from the scuffle. The referee has not seen it, the fourth official has given it. That's why I was so angry about it. They have tried to get him sent off about three minutes before that. Unfortunately the fourth official has fallen for it. I am saying it's a lesson for Flynn but he is competing for the ball and then that happens. I don't know really know what the ref or fourth official expect of him. I am really disappointed by it. We lose Flynn for a game which is disappointing - he has been incredible for us. I am frustrated with that." Rangers boss Mark Warburton said he was "not sure it was necessary" to send Downes off. "I will be honest, I didn't think it was a red card," he said. "I think those moments can be easily defused."
Flynn Downes receives a second yellow card
No player for the swans should come in for any criticism as the side battled from the very first minute of the game. This is the swans third game in ten days without a loss, and coincides with the absence of Jamie Paterson over that time. Two away draws and a home win is inspiring and will give swans fans a huge lift and belief the second half of this season will be far more exciting than some of the games they have been served up to the end of December.
Ben Cabango again excelled at the back for the swans
It was a very pleasing performance once gain from the swans, less emphasis on passing, although it was there and more emphasis on a rugged determination to fight for every ball available. It was a game either side could have won, but a share of the points is about right.
Queens Park Rangers: Marshall; Dickie, Dunne, Barbet; Odubajo, Field, Johansen (C), Wallace (Adomah 60); Amos (Dykes 60), Willock (Thomas 82); Austin.
Subs not used: Walsh, De Wijs, Ball, Dozzell.
Yellow cards: Odubajo 69, Johansen 76 Austin 90+1 🟨
Swansea City: Hamer; Cabango, Naughton, Manning; Christie, Downes, Grimes (C), Latibeaudiere; Smith, Wolf (Fulton 67); Piroe (Obafemi 67).
Subs not used: Fisher, Bennett, Abdulai, Walsh, Joseph.
Yellow cards: Smith 29, Cabango 47, Downes 73 & 90+1, Obafemi 90+4 🟨
Red card: Downes 90+1 🟥
Referee: Andy Davies 6/10
Attendance: 12,770