Once again Swansea City did enough to not only win a game of football they did so with some ease after a thrilling first half. The real issues for Russell Martin in the background, and there is some uncertainty regards the summer were cast to one side as the Swans took another three points on the road to make it a very successful April so far.

First we have to examine the way that the Swans played the game against a desperate Wigan side that very rarely loses a game by more than one goal. In fact the last time they conceded two clear goals at home was seventy days ago against Luton Town. That was the first hurdle for Russell Martin. With four changes to his side and Liam Walsh rested Martin chose Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes and Joe Allen as his pivotal figures in midfield.

And this is where Swansea won the game.

All had a huge influence on the game with a huge pass completion rate, Joe Allen two passes short of a hundred percent. This frustrated Wigan who resorted to persistent fouling to disrupt the game which went against them in the long term. The second column in both of the following examples is the number of passes and the third the pass success rate. Game ratings are in red. This destroyed Wigan.

The recycling of the ball especially via Ben Cabango and Nathan Wood which allowed Ryan Manning to work himself In to space worked a treat. Once again the defensive pairing made short shrift of their opponent.

The second half did disrupt the Swans overall statistics, it was evident the midfield was tiring and replacements Ollie Cooper and Liam Cullen unable to have the impact required to enable the Swans to get that third goal.

This led to WhoScored.com assessing the game with strong qualities very much on the Swans side. Wigan, who were far better in the second half but inconsistent and really did lack the quality and ability to contend with a very competent opponent on the day.

Some of the passing patterns out from the back once Swansea had managed the first five minutes of frantic Wigan high press were enough to satisfy any Swans follower. This ensured the game was going to slowly turn in the visitors favour. Jamie Paterson started well and was industrious leading to his involvement in the first Joel Piroe goal. Matt Grimes crucial pass for Fulton to play in Piroe for the second ended a seven pass move from the keeper to the back of the Wigan net. That flowing move from back to front for the second goal was sublime.

For Russell Martin to be able to carry this style of play and commitment in to the later stages of the season could well mean the players he has have adapted sufficiently to make his strategy and methods work on the pitch. Against other mid table sides of late the Swans have been able to dictate the play and secure winning margins. This hasn’t been as effective against the likes of Burnley Sheffield United, Luton Town or Millwall. All sides with more intent and commitment to winning games than Bristol City, Cardiff City or Wigan Athletic, despite their perilous positions in the league. If not overall intent it has to be said all three of these sides are average at best. However Swansea have defeated them and scored goals along the way that have been impactive and turned the game at crucial times. If you are going to be labelled as a side that has only come up against other teams of the same quality, then to say they have been beaten is illustrative of progress.

Swansea City now face Huddersfield Town on Saturday, a club also clawing their way out of trouble under Neil Warnock. Fast approaching seventy five he just cannot resist one more challenge. That is quickly followed by Preston North End also at home. There is nothing to say that the Swans can’t win both of these games as tough as they are, in fact they signify the strength of the championship and the very old adage ‘everyone can beat everyone else’

The final review is the WhoScored.com player ratings. The Swans did well all round and you would expect that after such a dominant sixty minutes.

Below are the match highlights and the purist will love that second Swansea goal.

Swansea City need to retain the services of Russell Martin and his coaching staff as this game amongst numerous others of late indicated that his journey is working and can work. There is now some consistency as well. And yesterday was a joy to watch for sure, more of the same please.

Photographs with permission Swansea City AFC, Reuters and open source

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