Posted by Lamin Oo
After their first five showing in the Barclay’s Premier League, it is no longer a secret that Swansea likes to play possession football with plenty of passes. Even in the season-opening away game at the Etihad Stadium, Swansea had the better share of the ball possession (58%) despite being beaten 4-0 by Manchester City. In the four league games that followed, Arsenal were the only opposition that saw more of the ball (57% possession) than Swansea. And Rogers is not likely to change this ball possession tactic against Chelsea:
“We are learning all the time and we know you have to be collectively right, we are not naïve enough to think we can open everything up like we do at home, but we are still going to try and maintain our idea to control possession and dominate with the ball.” (Source)
I think the possession game has served them well defensively because the more time you have on the ball, the less likely that your opponent can fashion a goal scoring opportunity. The three clean sheets at home support this theory.
However, their possession doesn’t always translate into attacking threat. This is not only evident in their run of four games without scoring a goal, but also in their low shots on goal statistics in the last five league games – 3.2 SOGs on average and 4 SOGs being the highest in a single game. Right back, Angel Rangel, has the highest number of successful passes within the Swansea squad...
Perhaps this should not come as a surprise because their possession play is based mainly in their defense. One of the more fascinating statistics I have come across in my research on Swansea is that their right back, Angel Rangel, has the highest number of successful passes within the Swansea squad, in all five league games. More to this point, in the game against Wigan, for instance, Swansea’s back four – Williams, Taylor, Rangel and Caulher – made a total of 260 successful passes, while their front four – Allen, Sinclair, Dyer and Graham – only made 94 successful passes all together.
Ultimately, Swansea’s possession play in the back means that Chelsea’s attacking players will have to do a big share of the pressing duty this weekend. If we can force a passing mistake in the back, we will have plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.
Their slow build up continues in the midfield. As you can see in Chart 1, the majority of central midfielder Britton’s passes in Manchester City game are horizontal (side-to-side). He misplaced only 4 passes out of 55 pass attempts, but all four of those incomplete passes were vertical (forward).
Swansea’s attacking movements usually start with their two pacey wingers – Sinclair (left) and Dyer (right). Both of these players are skillful and fast. Their ability to run with the ball is better than their ability to distribute the ball. So, these two quick players are used as the outlet from the slow build up in the back.
The left side of their defense showed weakness against Manchester City
Swansea have conceded five goals in the opening five games but four of those goals came from Manchester City. As mentioned above, Swansea secure their defense through possession. However, the left side of their defense showed weakness against Manchester City.
Picture 1 shows City's Adam Johnson laying the ball into the run of David Silva, whose shot hit the cross bar. Swansea's three defenders were so focus on Johnson that they failed to pick up the late run by the little Spanish midfielder who got a free sniff at the goal.
Picture 2 shows City winger Johnson bombing down Swansea's left. Although there were two Swansea defenders right in front of him, Johnson still managed to get a shot off. The strike was initially saved by the keeper but Dzeko pounced on the rebound and scored City's first goal.
Finally, in Picture 3, Micah Richards squares a good pass, again from Swansea's left side, to Sergio Aguero who taps in to score his first goal for Manchester City. [Note: you can watch the extended highlights of this game here.]
The home fans should see their side score a lot of goals in this game
Swansea's defensive weakness must be exploited by Chelsea players on the right – Daniel Sturridge (Update: injured in Carling Cup game), Nicolas Anelka, Jose Bosingwa and Ramires. If these players can provide quality service to the improving Fernando Torres in the middle, the home fans should see their side score a lot of goals in this game. Defensively, Chelsea should be aware of the pace in the two Swansea wingers, but the majority of the pressing will have to be done by Chelsea attacking players, who will have to put pressure on possession-controlling Swansea's defense.
Carefree, wherever you may be...
You can follow me on twitter @CareFreeChronic.
You can read my other posts on my blog or at BlueTinted.com.
|
World Football Daily
