A voice was ringing in my ears. “Chuffin’ Nora, worra we got ‘ere?” Stranded, I could see I was at a busy port. “Where am I, matey?” I asked. The docker smiled, “You’re in ‘Ull me ole duck.” He pointed me towards the nearest tavern, the White Swan. A short time later I was supping a pint of Old McBurnie bitter. I smiled to myself; one minute I’m in the Med and the next in Hull. Where next?

⚽️ NOTICEABLE AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
The Swans’ win against Burnley wasn’t considered a good performance by everyone. For me, it was not only an enjoyable match but full of good things that have been developed and are beginning to take effect. The whole team deserves credit, with strong individual performances, playing for each other, and playing at pace. This is not to say the match was without flaws, but Vitor Matos will be aware of these and working on them. First, our wingbacks are linking well with our wingers in both attack and defence. Part of this is the resurgence in form of Josh Key and his link-up play with transfer newbies, Moussa Yeo and Joseph Opoku. The opposite side continues with the ever-consistent Josh Tymon, working well with the effervescent Melker Widdell/Jisung Eom. Second, we have wingers with pace and skill to bedazzle their opposite numbers and chip in with goals. The latter is so important after the paucity of goals in recent seasons and the over-reliance last year on Žan Vipotnik. Third, we now have players with a much-improved understanding of when and how to attack. In addition, we are adept at transitioning very quickly from defence to counter-attack. It’s been many years since we’ve had a side with the skill, understanding, and commitment to attack in this way.

Fourth, Saturday’s game showed again how the Swans battled aggressively to win second balls. This becomes a game-changer for regaining possession and building the next attacking phase. The team’s pressing improved significantly after a haphazard performance against Southampton. Against Burnley, it was well-judged, well-timed and relentless, especially in the first half. As Melker Widell said post-match, the press is “non-negotiable”. Fifth, the defence of set pieces seems more assured than it has for many seasons. Sixth, we have two top centre forwards. Vipotnik has yet to hit his rhythm fully, but Adam Idah (below) looks hungry for goals and eager to prove his worth. He seems to be relishing his role and is performing like an old-fashioned bustling centre forward, who not only bullies his opposite number but also has a quick turn of pace to outflank defenders and score goals. His reaction to scoring on Saturday made clear how important it was and what it meant to him.

Many players are growing into their defined roles with greater understanding. These include Marko Stamenić, Jay Fulton, Eom, Stephen Eustaquio, Key, and now Franco, Stephen Welsh (below) Filip Lissah and Lawrence Vigouroux. The latter can be too easily forgotten, with his top-class performances readily taken for granted. This season he has added quickly taken targeted kicks – often to Idah – that lead to attacking movements and goals.

The defence is strong, as evidenced by the number of clean sheets (4 out of 7 games). Bringing in Lissah and Stephen Welsh has added more ball-moving skills to the back four and necessary backup for recent injuries. While it is clear that most players have greater confidence in their roles and how that contributes to the team's overall effectiveness, there is still work to do. Elijah Just is a good player but has yet to show his full range at the Swans, but that is only a matter of time as he grows into his role. Burnley had more shots on goal (18 v 13) and equalled the Swans' shots on target (6). On the stats alone, they could argue that with a little more good fortune, they could have taken a point from the game. However, anyone watching would know that Burnley were outplayed, out-thought and outfought. But Burnley did expose some areas of weakness. It could be that this is an inevitable risk of the Swans playing a high line. Lissah has slotted in so well in the back four and is showing remarkable maturity for a 21-year-old. However, at right-back, he can be exposed by wily wingers. At other times, the back four occasionally appeared too static and gave Burnley too much space.

These points will be known by Matos and his team and addressed. Right now, we can enjoy having a very good team performing at a high level. Strengthened still further by the return of Franco. One thing is certain: the Swans will be fully up to compete and to complete a highly successful phase before the international break.

Lincoln City v Swansea City is a 3pm kick off this Saturday at Sincil Bank.

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Photographs : Licensed Reuters & Swansea City AFC