Swansea’s lack of character
The more the season is unfolding, the more shortcomings Swansea are showing. The Jacks were on a path to becoming the season’s biggest surprise after their thrilling August start, but as the New Year fast approaches we know a lot more. Swansea’s tactics are easy for holding up and oppositions have no problems in stopping Monk’s players. Keeping a clean sheet against them seems like a lot simpler task than it used to be.
What is more concerning is a lack of character in Swansea’s squad. They are not only easily stopped, but an inability to mix things up results in disappointing losses to Norwich, Stoke and Watford. A plan B sounds like a foreign term to this squad, as they almost never change anything in their game. The only time Monk tried something new, with a 4-4-2 formation against Southampton, it ended in a heavy 3-1 loss. The Swans have to get rid of the monotone style of play and find new ways of being a threat to the opposition.
Alex Neil’s tactics
A wonderful change of tactics paid-off for the Norwich manager as Alex Neil set up his team rather defensively in the opening half-hour. His team seemed sturdy and very solid against an uninventive rival in the first half, not leaving them open space anywhere near the box. Neil’s observation skills were at its best when he decided to change that in the second period.
Swansea have a habit of wearing off in the second-half, which was also obvious against Arsenal and the Canaries manager tried to exploit that. His side was much more attacking-minded in that period, creating five of their six chances during the latter stages. Also, Neil’s realization of Cameron Jerome’s inability to make bigger impact resulted in Mbokani entering the game only two minutes before he set up a goal for Howson.
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