Swansea City proved their worth as head coach Vitor Matos set his depleted side up to exploit the Watford midfield and press relentlessly throughout this game. The days of hanging on for a 1-0 win to be thwarted at the end of halves seems to be a thing of the past, at least for now. The determination was there with Ethan Galbraith on the bench and Melker Widell (out injured) there were a few raised eyebrows at this Swansea selection.

There was no need for concern.

Joel Ward started at right back and did a job but it is clear that the Swans will need more defensive cover before the window closes. We expect that to happen. Ricardo Santos was absent as was Bobby Wales, the former closing in in a deal to leave the Swans on Monday. The latter is still more complicated. The Swans want Wales playing in games regularly and preferably in League one for the rest of the campaign. However, there is Scottish interest. Matos seems happy with Cullen providing cover for Vipotnik as it stands. Despite that the Swans were productive today and there were numerous scouts at the game, one we have been supported by for a good few years.

He wasn’t there to watch Jay Fulton but he did offer an opinion on him in conversation on his long drive home this evening. What we do know is Vitor Matos loves him as a player, and it is clear he will be offered new terms when his contract ends in the summer. Quote : ‘His positioning today was excellent, he closed down the gap in midfield between players trying to advance which in turn allowed the Swansea press to be successful’

Despite the poor passing stats from both sides and indeed the lack of ball control at times this suited the Swansea press as their constant harassment of the Watford midfield unsettled them and in turn forced errors. This wasn’t though a case of Watford playing badly, the tactics as stated with players missing were right for this game. Despite the referee missing a handball after a Swans shot in the first half and booking Cameron Burgess for ‘not a lot’ you just felt this Swans side would have the edge. They had industry from the back to the front, especially in the second half and didn’t drop their heads when things didn’t run smoothly.

They never looked out of place.

Ronald was more creative and it was recognisable that Watford set up with at least two players on him, and on two occasions in the first half a recovering midfielder making it three. He found more space in the second half and Stamenić was being encouraged to play a more advanced role which paid off for the first goal. The same set play we have seen productively in recent times from a corner on the Swans right set up the first goal. Vipotnik was in pretty much the same position against Blackburn. He guided the ball goal-wards and again we saw an advancing player looking to tap the ball away. Last week the goal was awarded to Vipotnik, this week Marko Stamenić (below) sneaked in just onside for this weeks play it again Sam. It happened minutes later again and you have to wonder what Watford head coach, Javi Gracia was doing all week ?

The second half domination was complete when substitute Josh Key stole in to convert a Stamenić cross for number two. It could have been more, that will come, but for now three points away from home is a perfect end to a busy Saturday. A stat to mention is this the first away win against a top ten side this season, signs again of vast improvement. At the death Watford naughty boy, Irankunda went too hands on with Liam Cullen pushing him in the face and throat. Liam responded with the usual fall to the ground thing and Irankunda was off, straight red. That prompted the benches to start a push me pull me dance, but it was more sour grapes on behalf of the home side than anything else. Despite being the peacemaker Matos was booked by the referee after the melee died down. The fourth official acknowledged it was wrong but did nothing about it. Javi Gracia also saw yellow. A signal really as to the referee’s overall incompetence.

The Swans won’t play now until next weekend (Sunday noon) against Sheffield Wednesday at the swansea.com. News this evening on Leo Walta a deal has been agreed and signed off for the Sirius player by his club. However, the formalities including clarity on his contract remuneration and other medical issues are set to be completed before Monday afternoon. The player is expected in Swansea tomorrow (Sunday PM) If or when this deal is official we have some very comforting news on a couple of clubs who tried to steal Walta away after the announcement was made by Fabrizio Romano on X (Twitter)

⚽️ Hornets : Egil Selvik, Jeremy Ngakia, Kevin Keben, Tom Ince (Kwadwo Baah 65), Luca Kjerrumgaard, Imran Louza (captain) (Nampalys Mendy 76), Marc Bola, Mamadou Doumbia (Nestory Irankunda 76), James Abankwah, Edo Kayembe, Othmane Maama (Giorgi Chakvetadze 65).

Unused Substitutes: Nathan Baxter, Vivaldo Semedo, Stephen Mfuni, Jack Grieves, Albert Eames.

⚽️ Swans: Lawrence Vigouroux 7 Joel Ward 6 (Ethan Galbraith 68) 7 Ben Cabango 7 (c) Cameron Burgess 5 Josh Tymon 7 Marko Stamenic 8 Gonçalo Franco 7 (Malick Yalcouye 68) 7 Jay Fulton 7 (Liam Cullen 59) 6 Ronald 7 (Josh Key 79) 6 Jisung Eom 5 (Gustavo Nunes 59) 6 Zan Vipotnik 8

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Ollie Cooper, Dan Watts.

⚽️ Referee: Matt Corlett : 3/10. Out of his depth, booked Burgess for not a lot and missed a clear handball in the first half after a shot from the Swans. Lino on his right first half wasn’t much better.

⚽️ Attendance: 18,691
Away : 1,491

⚽️ Matos post match

Photographs : Open Source & Licensed by Swansea Independent MT1IMGOSP000K67PDO & MT1IMGOSP000K6BH2P