At the beginning of the new season many were talking once again about the possibility of Swansea being a surprise packet.
After their highest tally and best ever finish in 2014-15, Garry Monk and his players were aiming for at least a repeat of this success. Four matches into the campaign and the Swans were rampant, beating Manchester United and showing what we could expect from them in the following matches.
Yet, after the first international break, their form dropped heavily, taking only two points from the next four showings, including losses to Southampton and Watford. So, what went wrong just two weeks after an astonishing victory over Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils?
Swansea seemed monotonous and uneventful, great home displays becoming only good enough not to lose to Everton and Spurs. Though both teams are tricky and could beat anyone, as we have seen in the Toffees’ slam over Chelsea and Tottenham’s heavy triumph against Manchester City, Swansea can do much better. Their fluid game became slower and was not as lively as it used to be. The defence was struggling a bit more than it used to and the front line just could not be a constant threat as it was against the reigning champions or Newcastle.
To be honest, the damage is still small. As Garry Monk said after the latest Tottenham draw, they played only two disappointing games, and he is right. They were pathetic against the Hornets and the Saints, while a solid draw against Spurs gives them something to build on. Though, Swansea could have and probably should have beaten both Sunderland during August and Tottenham last weekend, as they conceded two goals from free-kicks. Those trip-ups showed a lack of concentration in key moments and a lack of character to materialize several great chances.
So, should Swansea actually change something during their next games? Definitely yes, but nothing too dramatic. Just the things that could help this interesting squad blossom.
Adapt tactics to Sigurdsson
One of the most obvious aspects during the season so far is Gylfi Sigurdsson’s lack of impact on the games. Playing in between two great wingers, Jefferson Montero and Andre Ayew, the Icelandic playmaker does not have enough space nor opportunity to do something characteristic of him. During September, it was obvious how dependent on Montero the Swans were, pushing the ball on the left-flank during most of attacks. That was not necessarily the wrong thing to do, yet it was limiting Sigurdsson in influencing the play.
Monk should try and adapt tactics to his attacking-midfielder, with two pacey wingers able to cut in after his through balls. Sigurdsson is cunning and he could use having the ball at his feet slightly more. His only piece of ingenuity has been a sly assist for Bafetimbi Gomis against Manchester United, which happened the first time he was actually on the right-hand side of the pitch, where he had more time and space. The solution? Montero and Ayew standing wider and Gomis staying more upfront, to give both Sigurdsson and Jonjo Shelvey more space to show what they can do.
Improve support for Montero
Talking about Montero’s form this season is easy – he was brilliant before he got injured just before the Manchester United match. Afterwards, he was poor until the showing against Tottenham, where he created a lovely goal and bullied Kyle Walker during the first-half. Montero could profit from a slight tactical change. Most of attacks in recent matches were happening on the left-side where he was alone and usually fighting two opposition players. That could change as Neil Taylor becomes more attacking minded. The left-back was mostly concentrated on defence so far this season, yet his presence in the final third of the pitch could help ease off the pressure that is constantly present on Montero. With Taylor showing up further along the pitch, the Ecuadorian could have more space to cut in earlier and be a threat either from long shots or deadly passes to Gomis or Ayew.
Another way of helping Montero out could be Sigurdsson getting closer when the ball is on the left-side of the pitch. Montero is often marked by two players, after his stellar performances versus Chelsea and Newcastle, so there could be more space for the Icelander to show his arsenal. With Sigurdsson coming closer to get the ball, there will be enough space for both him and Ayew to use the area in front of the box to create a chance, distributing more towards the centre and right-side. That way, Montero should not have to always try taking on opposing defenders, rather than distributing the ball to the slightly forgotten teammates.
Rely on set-pieces more
It is an obvious point. Swansea do not utilize their height enough offensively. Though they improved in defending corner kicks, they can do a lot better in the opposition’s box. Both centre-backs, Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez are tall and are good in heading the ball. Besides them, Monk could use Gomis and Ayew, as both have proved many times they can score headers even though they are not really the tallest players you can find.
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Shelvey’s corners or Sigurdsson’s indirect free-kicks can both be used well to create an uncomfortable opportunity in the opposition’s area. Exactly that happened late into the Spurs game, when only an amazing save of Hugo Lloris’ stopped the visitors from losing the game. Fernandez used his height and heading ability after Sigurdsson’s free kick, though the Argentine was unlucky to score. If Swans can get a bit more lethal from set-pieces, it will come in handy on their quest of actually beating the teams they are expected to beat.
Swansea’s next four matches before the November international break will be home clashes against Stoke City and Arsenal, while the Jacks will be searching for their first away win against Aston Villa and Norwich City.
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