Swansea City head coach Russell Martin was extremely disappointed at the way Rotherham got the opening goal of the season in the 1-1 draw at the New York stadium. Having worked on the danger areas this week before the game Martin was somewhat aggrieved that having done that the swans succumbed to the very thing they highlighted as the home sides real threat.
Martin responded to the way his team conceded that first goal. " I’m really frustrated at their goal, the players are, we’ve done a lot of work on it, and when there are one or two details that aren’t quite right. We’ve spoken about it, when the temperature of the game goes up, they have a throw in, they love putting the ball in the box, set pieces, long throws. We have to concentrate on being calm and concentrating on the detail and we didn’t do that”
With all that said Martin seemed relatively happy with the point despite being the better side throughout the ninety minutes, and indeed those glaring chances that were missed.” We created one chance that will be as good as any chance this season I expect. We played some beautiful football, had some brilliant moments, it’s just a shame we didn’t get all three points”
On the Harry Darling goal and debutant Nathan Wood Martin commented ( on Darling ) "I think he really grew after the goal, Nathan Wood on the other side I think was outstanding, people will talk about the goal but Nathan was incredible, I'm really excited about him and Harry”
On the process the club continue to support and Martin wants to implement more ? " We’ve been trying to in-still a real identity and it takes a lot of work and courage to play that way. This is a long term project for us it gives us a lot of excitement for the future”
Swansea Independent View
The missed chances are annoying and frustrating for swans fans, and some have already commented that the Rotherham performance was not unlike last season. For us that was a game where we saw some quality defensive performances at times, and a defence that is still getting to know each other. It has been commented as well that the defence again looked rocky, for us not so. The weaknesses are on the flanks with Matthew Sorinola and Joel Latibeaudiere despite their effort to work hard for the side they looked off the pace. These are the areas where the swans need pace, and both most certainly don’t have that. The loss of Joe Allen and Ben Cabango for this game, albeit Cabango was on the bench may well have made a difference, but the composure in front of goal from Jamie Paterson, Joel Piroe and Michael Obafemi was lacking. Had the swans scored that second goal it’s a reality that much of the criticism the swans received today would not have occurred.
And it wasn’t that bad, just the usual voices saying the usual things in their usual way.- It’s the first game of the season, a draw away from home and the ability to win games by any means at home is the benchmark for progression this season. Russell Martin has more than made it clear they have no expectations either way in the league this season. However, they will go all out to retain their identity on the pitch and try and win every game.
We can’t ask any more than that.