Swansea City

By: timmyg | February 14th, 2009

Mamma mia! What to say?

Well, we all knew it was going to be a tough match, and kudos to Swansea for playing so well. Add in the internationals and evident lack of practice and preparation this week, and fixture congestion next week, then its a recipe for the display we saw today.

Or was it?

In a game of countless “what-could-have-beens” on both sides, was in actuality a draw. And this is the cup, where its all about not losing. Which Fulham did not do. Swansea played better than most premiership sides, but at no point did they play Fulham off the park — they were doing that themselves.

The defense was woeful, but most of all unorganized — which for a Woy team in inexplicable. The passing was bleh. The offense, never-mind. Overall result, lucky. But predictable.

Stoor seemed out of his depth, which for an international such as himself is telling. Konchesky had good runs forward, but was mediocre in the back. Hughes was unnoticeable per usual (which is a good thing for him) until his momentary lapse that allowed Scotland to look like Rooney.

Gera was everywhere and nowhere. Dacourt playing well one moment, on the turf the next. Murphy, solid. Davies was a bit too hectic for my liking, but who knows how the result would have gone had he been passive.

Nevland was present, but his flick-ons were always a yard too far for little AJ.

And it seems Roy had the same thoughts as I:

“It was a jaded performance from us and a good performance from Swansea. Our players have been away this week and it showed. The players in our team have hardly missed a game and it would be nice to have the ability to give them a rest.

“It’s important to dig in and work hard and that’s what we did today. I think it will be another tough encounter at the Cottage but the important thing was to earn the replay as we weren’t at our best today.

“Swansea’s attacking play was good and they tested us to the full. We could have done better on our counter attacking situations but as I say, I congratulate Swansea on a good performance and I’m pleased we worked so hard. Hopefully we’ll give them a better game in the replay.”

Be back Wednesday after the ~~hiding to nothing~~ ManU match.