I thought for quite a while before the game and still couldn’t figure who would win it, at least not enough to make a prediction.
I ended up with the conclusion that I’d have been happy with a point, which would have been a fair result today, but I have to say I think Swansea did more than us throughout the whole game, which is why I find I can’t really complain.
They play some lovely one touch football, don’t they, Swansea?
But we played an open game too and it made for decent viewing, with both teams going for it.
Simply put though, Swansea were the better side in the first half. They controlled the ball better and made better space, which combined with their passing accuracy, made it seem like we were chasing shadows at times.
Still, we were holding our own and countering quite well, but I think many of us must have felt somewhat relieved that it was 0-0 at half time.
Sherwood obviously had a word at half time and told the fullbacks to get more involved, which I thought was a risky tactic, as Swansea’s wide men had already caused us problems.
Our defence were doing fairly well though and we were definitely the better side for most of the second half.
Until Monk brought Montero on.
He gave Bacuna a torrid time and managed to get down the wing to lay a nice ball on for Gomis, who had looked unlucky up until then, to beat Clark to it and score.
We had our chances, but I never felt convinced that we’d score unless we had a bit of luck on our side.
It was one of those days.
Criticisms?
Well, I didn’t understand Westwood coming on for N’Zogbia, as I thought the latter looked a threat. But what do I know?
And Guzan’s kicking is just atrocious. More practice needed there, I think.
Regardless, I don’t think we should be too downhearted.
We played pretty well against a very good footballing side and mostly held our own.
It’s just that the negatives outweigh the positives at the moment.
We’re back amongst it again and it looks like Benteke is injured yet again. For once, the international break might do us a favour there, I suppose.
If only we’d got the point today, we’d have felt just that little more secure.
As Tim Sherwood would no doubt say; “Onwards and upwards!”.