A somewhat disappointing 2-0 defeat at Sunderland aside, Swansea City have been flying high over the last month or so. The run of good form started with a 1-1 draw against QPR, continued with a draw against title-contenders Tottenham was boosted by a 2-0 victory over Villa at the start of January before being topped off with an incredible 3-2 victory over Arsenal in what is arguably the zenith of their season so far.
But is there enough wind in the Swans’ sails to ensure that City avoid the drop this season? Whilst Swansea City’s buccaneering attitude has been a joy to behold, at the start of the season manager Brendan Rodgers would have had one key aim: To stay up at all costs. As long as they don’t end up in the bottom three, their time in the Premier League will have been rendered a success.
Speaking to Yahoo about Swansea City’s chances former Crystal Palace and Reading manager Steve Coppell had these cautious words to say:
“Swansea play the most unique style of any team that has come up. It has emanated from Roberto Martinez, he established the football philosophy there and it has been continued by Brendan Rodgers, who has emphasised that style even more. I think Swansea’s problems might occur towards the end of the season when suitors come calling for their better players. Can they replace them?”
“Do they have a conveyer belt of young talent coming through? They may have, but there are questions they are going to have to respond to, because I think they would find it very hard to resist offers.”
It has to be acknowledged that bigger clubs snapping up the Swans best players could be a problem – but isn’t that more of a long-term problem? Whilst Brendan Rodgers may struggle to hold on to the likes of Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Joe Allen, their main concern will be staying up and investing the money that comes from Premier League survival. If players do move on, it’s up to the manager to find realistic but suitable candidates to replace them.
Some neutrals have been keen to relate the Swans footballing philosophy to that exercised by Ian Holloway’s Blackpool side. Whilst the Seasiders played with attacking flair last season, their reliance on players like Charlie Adam meant that they’d always struggle to survive when these players struggled for form.
Swansea City on the other hand seem to back up their footballing philosophy with genuine substance. They not only favour a passing game, but they also have the players with the ability to pull it off. This could be the difference between Swansea City and Blackpool. If the Swans stick to their guns, they may yet live to see another season in the Premier League.
For more insight from Steve Coppell and other leading managers plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
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why do people keep saying the swans try to emulate blackpool .blackpool tried and failed to play the swans way ian holloway said it himself that blackpool tried to play the swans way the second half of the season they got promoted to the premiership and continue it in the premiership.there is no other team that plays the swans way in this country we are here to stay so get used to it .