Often Partisan

Confidence: Swansea City Capital One Cup Match Reflections

Here are my reflections on the game between Blues and Swansea City at St Andrews.

Confidence

What a win! Whilst Blues didn’t start off as quickly as they might have done their confidence grew in the game as they repelled Swansea, and once they went 1-0 up they never looked like losing. The team seemed to take a lot of confidence from the way they played on Saturday and I think they’ve happily settled into the 3-4-3 formation. All the players knew their roles and as the game progressed players picked up and improved more and more.

Whilst people might talk about it being an upset there is no way in mind Blues deserved anything but a win tonight; they were the better team for the majority of the game and I think credit has to go to Clark because he seemed to have worked out how to stop Swansea playing; they struggled to get through the defensive lines and when they did big Colin Doyle was on hand to stop the few efforts that got through. The only downside was the goal at the end; it appeared Blues had switched off and to deny themselves a clean sheet with a lapse in concentration will infuriate Clark somewhat; however, it’s a minor detail to be worked upon.

Tom Adeyemi

I’m beginning to think we’ve picked up an absolute diamond in the former Norwich midfielder. His energy has impressed me in every game but tonight he was absolutely beast-like; winning the ball in the middle, bursting forwards when he had the opportunity and topping off the performance with a tap-in from a well worked goal. Blues lacked that kind of energy in the middle last year and having a younger player with a great engine like Adeyemi in the middle allows the more creative players more space and more time to make the breaks.

Matt Green

Tonight was the night Matt Green came of age as a striker in the upper leagues. Like Saturday he ran the channels hard but he was rewarded for his effort with a delightful poacher’s strike. He should have scored before that when he forced a mistake on the right hand side of the Swansea defence but he shot straight at the keeper; however, he didn’t let that get to him and he took his finish well. I think this 3-4-3 formation brings the best out of him and I hope he can develop further.

Mitch Hancox and Callum Reilly

Tonight was a good chance for both of the academy graduates to show Clark why they were worthy of pushing back into the team, and both took their chance well. Like the rest of the team, both started slowly but developed and grew as the game went on. Reilly got stuck in and complemented Adeyemi in the middle, preventing Swansea from playing the killer balls through and slowly imposed himself on the game; Hancox started slow but as he got further and further forwards his attacking instincts came out and his part in the second goal was excellent; making a great run to receive the ball wide on the left almost level with the penalty spot before playing an intelligently low ball in the space between the keeper and the defence for Green to slam home.

In honesty, I could write something enthusing about every player; it was that kind of performance. It gives me renewed hope that Blues can pull away from the bottom and make something of this season and it gives me belief that Clark has got a plan that can make the team greater than the sum of its parts. It’s still a corner being turned but seven goals for in two games at home – when Blues fans have had little to cheer about at St Andrews this year – is going about things the right way. Clark has got a formation to bring out the best in his players; now it’s about those players playing their hearts out to maintain their places. Let the good times roll!

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67 Responses to “Confidence: Swansea City Capital One Cup Match Reflections”

  • mike b says:

    hi all…..repeat comment…but all i can say is….what a fantastic perfomance by all the players…a pleasure to watch>>>!!!!!!

  • DoctorD says:

    Great result. How quickly fortunes can change. Always worth remembering, especially when things aren’t going so well.

  • Harborneblue says:

    At times we were holding on by a thread first half, but we hung in there.
    2nd half was simply outstanding!
    As good a team performance as you could hope to see.
    Swansea were left shell shocked!
    What a wonderful night

    KRO

  • BarthDomak says:

    Big credit goes out to Colin Doyle tonight. He kept us in it!! Great result, shame about the crowd though

  • eil says:

    I was at the game and think the team matched and outplayed Swansea from the start. Every player worked so hard and for each other, as soon as a Swansea player got the ball we had someone hassling him – I also thought our passing was a pleasure to watch, What a shame there weren’t more people there to see it!

  • bluenose says:

    WKD result!!… to think we beat the team that annihilated Valencia midweek haha

    Good times for us noses!! never a dull moment is there!

    Selection headache for Clark come Saturday away at Reading ???

    KRO SOTV

  • Stephen says:

    It’s a shame we only had 7,470 blues fans their tonight & it was quiet in the first half but you could physically see the confidence in each & every player grow once they realised that they had Swansea shaken & the 7,470 fans reacted positively & made a load of noise & got behind the lads which was heartening to see.

    For me they all played excellently but my stand out performer & my M.O.M was Reilly, he seemed to be everywhere, breaking everything up & has shown that he & Adeyemi make a great partnership.

    If we can take that confidence in to the Reading game with Lindegaard brought back then I really fancy us to take all 3 points.

    Had a great night at St Andrews tonight, thanks boys so thank you, let’s just hope some of the stay away fans are encouraged to come back & get behind the boys like the loyal 7,470 did tonight, KRO

    • AuldBertie says:

      Stephen, there wasn’t even 7,470 loyal blues fans there last night: take away the Swansea fans and it was closer to 6,500. Anyway it was a great privilege to be there last night and to witness a thoroughly deserved victory which in truth could have been far greater at the end. Laudrup’s assertion that Swansea should have been 4-0 up at half time is comical and yes they hit the bar twice but it was from the same move so if they had have scored from either then obviously the other would be irrelevant. The second half performance was scintillating at times with some of the best fluid football I ‘ve seen from a Blues team in a while. If we can maintain anywhere near that sort of performance in league matches we should easily attain a top half position.

  • Chris says:

    Trying to not get carried away by two great home wins, but it seems the side are starting to gel.
    Now the squad for the last two games have set a standard, they have to now repeat it week in week out consistently.
    The younger players are bedding in and learning day by day and how a player from man u after only a few days realises the team spirit says a lot for Lee Clark and the staff.
    We can see some hope on the field and that’s good for everyone.

  • Chris W says:

    Excellent result and I thought Callum Reilly really shone for me, he seemed to be everywhere, along with Tom Adeyemi they snuffed Swansea out, we had a little luck in the first half when they hit the bar twice but big Colin Doyle was in fine form too, he was angry at the goal at the end.
    I have said with a little of Lady Luck we will be fine and should finish mid table.
    Maybe we have found the right recipe, pleased Matt Green scored tonight, that will boost his confidence too.
    Nice draw at home for the next round v Stoke, another winnable game, but league survival is paramount, we can still dream… KRO

    • nicky wicky says:

      why settle for midtable. if they can find the right blend in time why can’t they get into a promotion spot?

      • Chris W says:

        ‘;In all fairness, while CY and Co are still in charge A) do we want promotion to boost their pockets and B) with free transfers and loans would we do ourselves credit in the premiership.
        If we do well and show potential then we may see more offers to buy the club and but in the much needed finance to make us a contention for survival in the premiership.
        Yes, I want Birmingham City in the Premiership but with the right ownership and our own players.

  • Ali Duncan says:

    Just got in…..wow!!!!

    For me easily the best performance I have seen from a Clark side. Even better than Palace away.

    I’ve said all along that Ade is going to be a diamond. There are shades of Gerrard in him.

    Fergi and Burke were immense and Callum was on fire. I can’t rave enough about how much of an all round team performance that was.

    The crowd were brilliant tonight too – small in numbers but very loud.

    One very happy and proud Bluenose here tonight.

    KRO!

  • Wingman Blue says:

    So glad to be there. Feel sorry for those who couldn’t make it. What an all-round team performance. I don’t know what LC said to the players at half time, but in the second half they didn’t allow Swansea any time on the ball, and put in some excellent tackles. Everyone pulled their weight, and the 7,000 bluenoses sounded like 27,000.

    Lets hope it’s back to Fortress Stans.

  • oldburyblue says:

    The loyal fans got their reward tonight. I bet the missing regulars are kicking themselves. The best team performance under LC. Not a weak link…..every player seemed to know his role and revelled in it.

  • Ali Duncan says:

    Stoke at home, a game we can realistically look to win after last nights showing.

  • pierre says:

    was the low attendance due to ticket price,or general apathy?

    • Northern Exile says:

      Swansea in the League Cup is hardly a massive draw to get people energised – holders and a PL club or not – especially when we’re not averaging a lot more than double that in the league. My guess is apathy.

      • Ali Duncan says:

        Probably a bit of apathy and also people pickingf and chosing their games. £20 I thought was a bit steep considering Millwall is only £18 next week if people are looking to pay on a game-by-game basis.

        My Uncle & Cousin both choked at the last minute and I spoke to them after and they were gutted. Going last night makes up for all the long slogs to games to see us not really turn up. Can’t wait for Stoke!

  • sutton apex says:

    great game, proud to be one of the loyal 7470 fans – get down there and back our team and manager !!

  • Len says:

    Wonder if Lingard will force his way back in on Saturday!! lol. Butland on bench at Stoke-
    will he start at Stans?
    4 days and a very different feel. That’s Blues for you.
    KRO

  • The Francis Fake says:

    These 2 results are a great moral boost for all, players and fans alike at a sad time in our history. Clark has to be given a pat on the back for both results with the system he has successfully implemented and his persistent chase for Lingard.

    • Ali Duncan says:

      Agreed. Credit where it’s due we’ve been excellent the last two games and even though Swansea didn’t play a full strength team that side still had great quality. 7 goals in two games is also a brilliant return. For a team that couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo at the start of the season we seem (as a team) to know where the net is now.

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    Sensational performance. Reilly is going to be one hell of a player. Pleased for Green. He looked like he belongs last night.

    This 3-4-3 looks the formation

  • andy says:

    All credit to Lee Clark, he works his socks off for this club and so do his players.

  • Frankie says:

    Excellent and tactically correct again from Lee Clark.
    Thought Paul Robinson was immense also.
    Lets just leave the formation and tactical decisions to the manager now huh !

  • GoodyBlueShoes says:

    If I take my two nephews (regular supporters()it costs the thick end of £80 with a entrance fee, petrol, tea etc. I haven’t got the cash on top of other games!

  • Tired Swansea pay the price for travel pains at Birmingham.
    This was DAILY EXPRESS….can’t give us any praise…must have been Swansea having an off day.
    Typical London Press.
    BCFC OK

    • lettuce says:

      Most of the press talk about 10 changes to the Swansea side from the Palace match.
      However 5 of their players from last night were in the side that beat Valencia 3-0 last week.
      Some of the press talk about Swansea players being tired from 3 matches in 9 days.
      I dont think anyone played in all 3 !!.

      What about our 5 changes – no mention of that?.

      Press excuses why a prem club could possibly lose to Blues.

      Well played boys.
      Let’s try and keep it going.

  • AlexT says:

    This is the first game I have been to this season…… What have you lot all been going on about this year?? ;)

    Seriously though, Hopefully the 3-5-2 formation is put to bed and replaced by the (seemingly) much more effective 3-4-3. For the first time in many years I could see the front line with passing options when in attack, which the lads took full advantage of and played high up the pitch.

    Well done LC! KRO!

  • AlexT says:

    My mate informed me in the 92nd minute, with a cheshire cat grin that he had put £10 on a 3-0 blues win at 66-1………

    he nearly cried 2 minutes later…..

    ouch!

  • AlexT says:

    My mate informed me in the 92nd minute, with a cheshire cat grin that he had put £10 on a 3-0 blues win at 66-1………

    he nearly cried 2 minutes later…..

    ouch!

  • dave mann says:

    the ultimate game of two halves, swansea could have been out of site by half time but
    second half we were magnificent, took the goals well and now two back to back wins
    and seven goals scored, we didnt miss jesse last night but hes certainly showed the
    others where the net is, great stuff now bring on stoke and lets keep the run going in
    both the league and cup, as our look turned, looks like it, come on.KRO.

  • Bob Your Uncle says:

    Fantastic result last night, Swansea have money to spend and I’m pretty sure their striker was bought for probably what our club will be sold for. Lee Clark did a great job of organizing them and we even played some decent football. I thought the lads who came in were excellent, Callum Reilly did not look out of place and showed great energy, passion and calmness on the ball. Mitch Hancox delivered some top class balls in to the box, I believe he really suits this formation. I thought Matt Green also gave them some real difficulties and definitely looked a lot more confident once he had scored. Overall a great performance from a team full of young, hungry British players (except Spector)! Keep Right On!

  • dave mann says:

    great point made there Bob, a mainly british team against a team of foreighners and we kicked
    there ass in the second half and showed real passion and fight, we wanted it more than them
    just a reminder, when we won it in 2011 our first 3 games in the cup were 3-2, 3-1 and a win
    on penalties, sounds familiar dont you think….. maybe history repeating it self?KRO.

  • peter Lewis says:

    After travelling half way around the world, to be ale to witness this game first hand was a privilege. Looking forward to the next two home games that I can fit in before heading back to New Zealand.
    The whole team played as one and as we all know a team will beat a bunch of individuals anytime, I distinctly got the impression that Swansea thought all they had to do was turn up.KRO. and well done Blues.

  • ken says:

    Seems Butland is off to Barnsley on loan. He must be realy pleased

  • Lee Clarke off to Sunderland with all his staff……………………………….just a thought

  • dave mann says:

    didnt he wear a t- shirt with ” i hate mackems” on it when playing for sunderland?
    i bet hes got a t- shirt with ” i hate bluenoses” on it for when he leaves, well he
    is a geordie aint he! KRO.

    • Ali Duncan says:

      Sad Mackem bastards I believe it was.

      • chas says:

        This is a bit that annoys me.. Fans think they can say what they like about Players (managers, etc), but get really arsey when said players, etc., have a go back. I can remember Stan Collymore getting terrible stick from the blues Fans when he played against us and when he scored he milked it, only for some Fans to complain to the Police and FA about his behavior. So childish.

  • dave mann says:

    i agree chas, if fans rubbish players and they have a go back then take it on the chin,
    dont give it if you cant take it, robbie savage got murdered when he came back to st andrews
    though he did ask for it by scoring and then doing is centre circle stunt but he will always
    have my respect for what he did on the pitch for blues 100% every game and is commentry
    on the carling cup final when martins scored and the final whistle, absoluetly legendry.
    Ali Duncan, thanks for putting me right on the t- shirt you are right, cheers pal.KRO.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I’ve been saying for weeks, that all they needed to do was stick the ball in the net for the team to click. Looks like they’ve clicked. I was never in any doubt.

  • mark says:

    Bloody hell all the moaners retired lol

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Never gonna happen mark.

      • mark says:

        No your definitely right there my friend, I bet they find their money for a wembley trip……lol

        • steve says:

          Just because were not happy clappers doesn’t make us moaners.For your and Staffblues imformation,i,m a sth and go to all weekend away games.So IF we get to wembley my ticket will be deserved. I hope we have turned the corner but i,ll wait for a bit longer before i make my mind up.Whatever happens i,ll never take to elsie and i,ll still want him out.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            I never mentioned Wembley. I never mentioned the word moaners either. Check.

          • Blue in Spain says:

            And just because people support the manager and the players doesn’t make them happy clappers! Get over yourself! The gist of what they were saying is absolutely correct no sign of the usual moaners when we do well, look over on the accounts delayed blog, they are on there, so these people are on line but aren’t big enough to give out praise where its due, but quick enough to kick the team when its down!

        • mark says:

          Bis that because they can be in two places once lol

      • steve says:

        You’re backing up his comments,so i aimed it at both of you.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          Comment, not comments.

        • steve says:

          Blue in Spain.I’ve always said that i’ll support the players and the club.I never boo the team or shout abuse.I’ll never support the manager.I don’t like him and i don’t think he’ll be a success at the club.I,m not a moaner,i,m a realist.I,ll tell it as i see it.Some people don’t seem to see the things that are wrong.They see everything through rose coloured glasses. I,m not getting carried away by two home wins.Fair enough,one against a team from the prem.The other against the worst team i,ve seen this season.As good as the last two performances have been,there have been performances that have been shocking.If they’ve been shite,i’ll say they’ve been shite.If they’ve been great,i’ll say they’ve been great.

  • mark says:

    Cracking game loved it my heart went with blues, but nagging way thought 2nil loss would have been acceptable against this team. The blend is finally coming together ?Wonder what the odds are carson coming home…..lol well done to the fans who have faith……….

  • mark says:

    Special mention to reilly and hancox keep going lads you both played extremely well…..kro

    • StaffsBlue says:

      With Murphy and Hancox both fit and raring now, Ferguson can be used further up the pitch, which is where he plays his best football. And with Will Packwood coming back strongly, we’re looking good in all areas now.

  • Jay says:

    An absolute glorious game for blues I was there and saw the brilliance with my own eyes as the master plan unfolded. Full credit to Clarke and the lads a stand out performance for all. The atmosphere was sparked by this and the more loyal the fans become in good times and bad can prove what a lift just 7,000 fans can give so a bigger effort must be made next round to help the lads on and who knows we could be on our way back to wembley!! I work 60 hrs a week and live in Cheltenham , Gloucestershire and manage to find the time and effort to get there. The Fans should stop worrying about where the money for the tickets goes and concentrate on the passion and pride you feel when watching the team play. A lot of people missed out last night after all the shit we have gone through as fans the reason why we support the blues came alive yesterday! More of the same lads!!! KRO

  • Tony says:

    Good team performance no doubt about that, just goes to show I have said all along this squad is good enough to finish halfway in the league.
    Too soon to talk of turning the corner its a waiting game, I remain unconvinced by Clark but credit for last nights result.

  • Tony says:

    Youur too long in the sun spain {el Piro}

  • mark says:

    Try not let it ruin my Christmas Steve lol

  • mark says:

    Just to go on a bit more about the great feat by the team and clark. Wba and vilers are out so well done blues……kro…..may the bragging rights continue….

    • StaffsBlue says:

      We’re one of only 3 teams outside the top flight to have gone through to the next round.. and we’re the only team to have beaten a Prem side to do it. Management and players deserves a lot of credit for that.


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