Swansea 2-1 Latics - Latics Fall Short on Welsh Trip

The Latics suffered their fifth defeat of the season, as they were unable to pull off a late comeback against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

Spanish duo Pablo Hernandez and Miguel Michu struck the decisive blows within a crushing two minute spell. Despite a wonder goal from Emmerson Boyce, the Latics returned to the North West empty handed.  

Emmerson Boyce 

The Latics named an unchanged team from their clash with Everton two weeks ago and should have taken the lead in a tense opening half, when Shaun Maloney’s effort was kept out by Michel Vorm.

The opening goal of the game came when Pablo Hernandez, Swansea's club-record signing, broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a low shot past Ali Al-Habsi from 18 yards. 

Michu added the crucial second for the Welsh club, with a close-range header from Jonathan de Guzman's corner for his seventh goal of the season. 

The Latics refused to lie down and were back in the game after Emmerson Boyce's exquisite 69th-minute back-flick, but were made to rue a contentious decision to rule out a header from Arouna Kone.

It was a decision that cost the Latics dear as they were unable to find that decisive blow late on, with even keeper Al Habsi going close with a header in the dying moments.

Roberto Martinez

Former Swansea boss Martinez, who was unsuccessful in his appeal against a disciplinary charge from the FA this week, was unhappy with yet another decision going against his side on the road:

“It was a call which didn't go our way. It was really costly. I felt it would have been an interesting final 10 minutes because we could have won the game. 

Sometimes you want to be honest with the referee's decision, but I have learned my lesson. I cannot really comment.

I need to accept it and give an official answer. Sometimes the calls go your way, sometimes they don't. But I thought we deserved a point.”

Up next for the Latics is a crucial home clash against West Ham, which will spark many a memory of a memorable afternoon the last time the Hammers visited the DW.

With the winter nights almost upon us, Martinez will use this week to pick his side up following this latest set back. He will be keen to bring this winless run to an end and give his side some breathing space above the teams currently occupying the bottom three as the league begins to take shape. 

 

Rangers’ boss prepares for crucial run in

It has been a far from perfect start to life at Loftus Road for Mark Hughes, he has seen his side pick up a mere 5 points since he replaced Neil Warnock at the helm of the West London club.

Despite the dismal start the former Manchester City boss remains confident that his side have enough about them to secure a second season in the top flight and build for the future. Speaking after his side’s recent home defeat to derby rivals Fulham, Hughes called for discipline and reiterated his belief that his side have the quality to survive.

Mark Hughes

Indiscipline has played a huge part in QPR’s downfall this season with five players seeing red and new signing Djibril Cisse and Samba Diakite recently picking up costly bans.

What will worry Rangers’ fans is that their run in includes fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Unlike the teams around them after their trip to Bolton on Saturday they do not face anyone directly involved in the relegation scrap. 

Saturday’s can certainly be considered a so called “six pointer” as Hughes’ men face sides with aspirations of competing for the title and securing European football for next season. It looks as though it is going to be three from the current bottom five that will go down with the likes of Aston Villa and Swansea looking to have enough quality to not get dragged in.

It is clear that they should have much more points on the board by now just the way Norwich and Swansea have done.

Recent signings Bobby Zamora and Cisse will finally get to link up again after the former Liverpool man’s dismal half an hour into his home debut against Wolves. They have the pedigree to get the goals that Hughes needs but the big question is can they deliver when the pressure is really on?

Bobby Zamora 

At the back they have now conceded in eighteen consecutive matches, with their last clean sheet coming against Chelsea in their biggest success since their return to the elite. The character shown by his side to fight back from the setback of Everton’s early goal on Saturday will have encouraged Hughes but he will know the hard work starts at the Reebok.

The players have to come up big during the run in and the Loftus Road faithful are going to play a huge part in their battle to avoid the drop, Hughes remains confident in his side but he knows deep down that he faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career to date and simply cannot fail.

Wigan 0-2 Swansea - 3 things we've learned

Gylfi Sigurdsson – Has a big future in the game

The Icelandic international on loan from German outfit Hoffenheim stole the show with two outstanding strikes from outside the area.

The former Reading man has been instrumental since his arrival in January and scored in their away win at West Brom. He is no stranger to wonder goals with his first strike for former club Reading coming from 35 yards out at home to Burton Albion in the Carling Cup.

Gylfi Sigurdsson 

Yesterday he looked cool and composed figure in the heart of the midfield and stood up well to the challenge of the tough Wigan midfield. His strike on the stroke of half time ensured the Swans took the lead before the break after dominating much of the opening period.

It was only ten minutes into the second half when after Nathan Dyer was fouled he left Al Habsi rooted to the spot as he curled an outstanding free kick to send the Swansea fans into delirium.

His signing is testament again to Brendan Rodgers as he has settled into the side and yesterday’s showing was testament to how pivotal he is to the Welsh club. The sending off of Dyer meant Sigurdsson had to be sacrfied as they held firm for the final half an hour.

He will get a lot of interest from a number of clubs in the summer and Rodgers will be hoping he can secure the signature as he adds something different to the his cultured side.

Wigan – They are in big trouble

The weekend’s result will leave many Latics fans frustrated as they missed out on a huge opportunity to move out of the drop zone.

Results elsewhere over the weekend have been kind to Roberto Martinez and his men as they still find themselves only two points from safety with eleven games to go.

Jean Beausejour 

The big issue for Wigan is that they are yet again involved in a scrap for Premier League survival in what is now their sixth season in the top flight.

Taking the next step forward is key for Wigan if they are genuinely to be considered as an established Premier League team, you get a feeling if they were to drop back into the Championship they would struggle to come back.

The job that Dave Whelan has done has been nothing short of remarkable to take this small town living in the shadow of the likes of Manchester United into the promise land and maintain their presence.

The big question is can they take the next step up. Investment is a huge issue for them, with the likes of QPR coming up and spending big and with Swansea and Norwich proving to be a more attractive choice for players, getting genuine talent through the door in is proving to be huge problem.

In order to stay up they have to improve at home one win against QPR back in August is the only time they have picked up three points at the DW stadium. West Brom and Stoke provide the opposition in their next two games at home in what are now must win games.

Martinez cannot afford to leave the likes of Mohammed Diame and Victor Moses on the bench as he did on Saturday. Connor Sammon was poor an infective and did not look up for the fight, encouragingly new singing Jean Beausejour looked lively throughout and will provide the front men with the required ammunition.

It is going to be tough for Wigan to pull off yet another great escape but do not bet against them, they seem to thrive in adversity, right now they are low but on Saturday’s showing things can only get better.

Swansea – Big win at the right time

Brendan Rodgers’ hailed his side after a terrific performance ensured they picked up their third win on the road this season and ease any concerns they might have over being dragged into the relegation dog fight.

The performance highlighted the quality Rodgers’ has at his disposal right across the pitch. They created a number of chances with Scott Sinclair having a chance cleared off the line before Gylfi Sigurdsson’s wonderful opener. He then doubled the lead before Nathan Dyer’s somewhat harsh dismissal meant a change of plan was required. 

Nathan Dyer 

Stalwart Alan Tate was called upon to tighten up defence in preparation for the Wigan onslaught that never materialised in the final part of the game. At the back the pairing of Ashley Williams and Steven Caulker were strong and on either flank Neil Taylor and Angel Rangel offered great support going forward and held firm when they were down to ten men 

What has impressed me the most about Swansea this season is how organised they are defensively. Despite going down to ten men they never looked under pressure and you got a feeling that they would big up their third victory on the road this season.

With eleven games to go they find themselves comfortably eleven points clear of the dog fight and Rodgers' will ensure his side pick up the remaining seven points they need to hit the magic forty points mark. 

They will now look forward to the visit of league leaders Manchester City to South Wales next weekend. If they continue with their impressive form they will grace the top flight for a second consecutive season something that will delight their fans and neutrals alike.  

Swans looking to keep defensive rock

Swansea City’s attacking style of football on their return to the top flight has impressed many but their rock at the back Ashley Williams looks set for a bright future and Brendan Rodgers looks to ensure it is in South Wales.

Described this week as invaluable to Swansea, the former Stockport County player has been integral to the Swans rise since his arrival in 2008. He has since gained international recognition making his debut against Luxembourg and has led the team also.

Ashley Williams

He is one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country and with a number of top clubs struggling to keep clean sheets it looks certain that he is going to attract attention from the ‘big boys’ sooner rather than later.

Alongside Joe Allen and Michel Vorm, he has played a key role in securing their current position of fourteenth eight points clear of the drop. Unlike many before them Swansea have got a solid defensive rock in Williams who looks at ease in the league. He has come away with man of the match performances against Liverpool, Tottenham and as recent as Wednesday night against Chelsea.

Michel Vorm

He adds calm and class to the backline and alongside Tottenham loan signing Steven Caulker has ensured a number of clean sheets which is sure to continue well into the season. 

Rodgers will be keen to ensure that his side preserve their top flight status and then the players that have done the job for him. A number of clubs will be sniffing around his club and there is no doubt that Williams will top the bill.

Midweek Round-Up

On a mixed week for all involved saw Swansea being denied a famous victory, Norwich's unbeaten run come to an end and QPR throw away a two goal lead. 

After new boy Djibril Cisse struck early on to become an instant hit with his new fans,

Aston Villa recovered from a two goal deficit to deny the R’s a crucial three points in their battle to avoid the drop. 

Djibril Cisse

Mark Hughes gave Rob Hulse a surprise start after impressing in training and alongside Cisse impressed early on and the former Liverpool man opened the scoring  following Shaun Wright Phillips’ blocked shot.

Fellow debutant Taye Taiwo’s cross was bizarrely turned in by Stephen Warnock to give the away side a two nothing lead.

Goals from Darrent Bent and Charles N’Zogbia late on ensured the home side took the share of the spoils. Hughes will be left disappointed that his side were not able to pick up a crucial three points, but with Blackburn’s defeat at home to Newcastle they now find themselves two points clear and will be confident of putting a run together to ensure survival.

With Bobby Zamora set to add even more muscle and class upfront in time for the vital clash at home to fellow strugglers Wolves, the futures of DJ Campbell and jay Bothroyd look uncertain as they are set to watch on from the sidelines as Hughes decides to go with others.

They have been desperate for goals this season and now with nine strikers at his disposal Hughes will be confident that they will score enough goals to secure survival and trim his squad down and add further class in the summer.

Elsewhere it was a tough night for Norwich as their unbeaten start to 2012 was blown apart by a rampant Sunderland. A fine goal from the returning Fraizer Campbell and then a great header from Stephane Sessegnon saw the Canaries go two behind at the break.

An own goal from David Ayala compounded a bad night for the away team and they will be keen to pick themselves up in time for the visit of inform Bolton. The result sees Sunderland leapfrog the Canaries into the top half but still eleven clear of the drop zone.

Scott Sinclair 

And finally it was heartbreak for Swansea on Tuesday as ten man Chelsea pegged back Brendan Rodgers’ men deep into added on time. A stunning striker from former Chelsea man Scott Sinclair looked to have set up yet another famous victory and when Ashley Cole was dismissed his side looked to set to leave South Wales empty handed. A wicked deflection of Neil Taylor, from Jose Boswingwa’s shot left Michel Vorm with no chance.

The Swans are now fourteenth in the league and will need to ensure that they are not dragged into the dogfight at the bottom as they are currently nine points clear. 

Canaries dreaming of Wembley

As Norwich City left it left to book their place in the last 16, Swansea and QPR are knocked out and left to focus on league matters.

For our three promoted clubs finding a balance between preserving league status and going for cup glory was always going to be tough. It comes as no surprise that Norwich who are the team highest up the table are now the only side left in the FA Cup of the three sides.

Darren Pratley

We will start with Swansea’s trip to Bolton, where Brendan Rodgers made a number of changes to his starting XI and play off hero Darren Pratley came back to haunt the Swans.

A great finish from Luke Moore looked to have given the Welsh side the lead at half time but in added on time, Pratley headed home, Martin Petrov’s free kick to level up the tie.

From there on Bolton took control and an error from back up goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel gifted last year’s semi finalists the winner through Chris Eagles.

Despite rallying in the final ten minutes Rodgers’ fell short and they will return to league action against Chelsea on Wednesday, as they aim to ensure they remain clear of the trap door.

In a hotly contested lunch time kick off a dubious penalty from Juan Mata was enough to end QPR’s cup run.

Mata converted from twelve yards after Daniel Sturridge fell easily under Clint Hill’s challenge.

It had been agreed that there would be no handshakes between the two sides before the start of the game and thankfully the tie passed without much incident. Unlike Norwich and Swansea, Rangers are in serious trouble of going down and they will quickly move their focus to Wednesday night’s trip to Aston Villa.

Expect new faces come in for the game at Villa Park as Mark Hughes will look to add quality to his squad and also ship out some of the dead wood.

The one success of the cup weekend was in the Midlands as Norwich won at the Hawthorns for the second time in a number of weeks. This time it was Canadian international Simeon Jackson who struck the late winner to book a last sixteen tie at home to Championship big spenders Leicester City.

Jed Steer 

The Canaries will have been indebted to debutant keeper Jed Steer who produced a man of the match performance. He produced a number of fine saves including a sensational stop to deny Jerome Thomas.

19 year of Steer was on hand again late on to stop tie going to replay as he stopped Joe Mattock and Shane Long.

Earlier on captain Grant Holt had put Norwich ahead at the break. Mark Antoine Fortune levelled things up as he had done in the league meeting two weeks earlier.

Next up for Paul Lambert’s men is the live Sky clash with Sunderland on Wednesday as they look to extend their current six game unbeaten run. 

Mixed fortunes for our teams

As Cardiff and Wrexham’s promotion charges gather momentum, Swansea are brought back down to earth and Newport pick up a valuable point in their battle to avoid the drop.

Malky MacKay’s Bluebirds produced a stunning comeback against cash strapped Portsmouth when, Craig Conway struck a fine winner deep into injury time.

Craig Conway

Earlier on Kenny Miller had put the home side in front from an acute angle, before goals from Marko Futacs and Greg Halford either side of the break gave Pompy an unlikely lead. 

Skipper Mark Hudson got on the end of Conway’s cross to even things up and the former Dundee United midfielder rifled in a stunning winner to ensure that they went one point behind Southampton.

Meanwhile up at the Stadium of Light, Swansea were undone by two quality strikes despite dominating much of the game. The wonderful Stephane Sessegnon was a constant threat all afternoon and took his goal in spectacular fashion and was on hand to set up Craig Gardner's wonder goal, as Sunderland’s great start under Martin O’Neil continued.

Gylfi Sigurdsson, was the main threat to Sunderland all afternoon and despite having 64% of the possession Brendan Rodgers will be left ruing a chance to pick up points on the road. Scott Sinclair went close in the first half after some great work from Nathan Dyer. Chelsea loan signing Josh McEachran looked bright when he came on, in place of Sigurdsson.

The Swans now find themselves in thirteenth and eight points clear of the drop zone, although Brendan Rodgers will not get carried away until his side reach the magic forty point mark.

Andy Morrell 

As for Wrexham they picked themselves up following their midweek cup heartbreak, and stuck four past Kettering. Manager Andy Morell’s early strike gave them the lead at half time and Mark Creighton doubled the lead from close range. Kettering got themselves back into it when Djoumin Sangare finished with great aplomb, but Wrexham grew into the game. Debutant James Colbeck made an instant impact with two goals to ensure a seventh consecutive victory in the league, as Fleetwood town kept the heat on with a win at Darlington.

Down in Newport secured a crucial point despite playing for an hour with only ten men following Ismail Yakubu’s first half dismissal. The home side created enough chances to take all three points, but ultimately Justin Edinburgh will be satisfied with a solid defensive showing that sees his side remain one point ahead of trap door.

Rodgers’ Welsh Dragons Breathe Fire into the League

As Swansea beat Arsenal at their own game on Sunday, their exhilarating performance finally has the rest of the league standing up and taking notice.

After their opening weekend thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, not many would have had the Swans in the top half of the league, just over half way through the season.

Brendan Rodgers

The man who has worked beneath one of the best, in Jose Mourinho, refused point black to change his philosophy. Many before him have played great football Hull City and most recently Blackpool, but both sides ultimately failed in their goal of survival and growth in the top flight.

What has impressed me most is their solid defensive unit, and to their credit, their record has been immense. To date nine clean sheets is nothing short of remarkable. The signing of the season for me if Michel Vorm, an outstanding acquisition from Dutch outfit Utrecht for only £1.5 million leaving a number of clubs wondering how they missed out on him.

The captain, Ashley Williams looks like a player at ease at this level and the loan signing of Steven Caulker from Tottenham has proven to be yet another masterstroke from Rodgers and his backroom staff. Former Wrexham man Neil Taylor has emerged as one of brightest talents in Welsh football, in fact they did very well to hold of strong interest from Newcastle in the summer.

Joe Allen has been at the heart of all that is good from the Swans going forward. Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer have been the best pair of wingers the league has seen in a number of seasons. And then there is Wayne Routledge who finally found the net in their first away win of the campaign at Aston Villa.

Goals have been hard to come by at times this season but they did not panic and kept the faith with former Watford man Danny Graham who has come good and netted his seventh goal of the season to cap of a wonderful team display on Sunday.

Swansea have proved that playing as a team does get you success and sticking to your principles does pay off. It would have been easy for Rodgers to listen to the experts and stop ‘playing football’ because nothing was expected of his side.

With seventeen games left to play they are only fourteen points from the promise land of the forty points mark. Indeed they have been on runs where results have not quite gone and the best example being their home game against QPR where they were second best for the majority, but their solidity and ethos ensured they would have a share of the points.

Danny Graham

They have also turned games at key points such as they did against Fulham when Vorm denied Clint Dempsey from the spot and Graham netted a wonderful goal to secure all three points.  

Tactically Rodgers and Norwich City’s Paul Lambert, are miles ahead of the likes of Ian Holloway and the now departed Neil Warnock. They are a new breed of manager who are fantastic for the game, they want their teams to play football and are not afraid to stick with what they think is best for their sides.

Going forward Rodgers has the platform at Swansea to establish them in the top flight, and what a credit they have been to the whole of Wales, a worthy edition to the league and long may it continue.