Matchday: Swansea 2 – 2 Tottenham
By Ryan Wrenn
Well, that went by quickly. It’s 2-1 to Swansea at the half, but it feels like there will be plenty more to come.
Tottenham have been hassled at every square foot of the Swansea pitch it seems. Spurs have never done especially well with opposition pressing, and Swansea are reaping the benefits here.
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The key for Swansea have been Jefferson Montero. He’s been instrumental in both goals: providing the assist for André Ayew’s impressive goal and then earning the corner that Harry Kane so spectacularly own-goaled on.
Even if he’s been beaten, Kyle Walker is doing a decent job at tracking back on Montero. It’s clear though that he won’t be able to keep it up for another 45 minutes. He’ll need some more defensive contributions from Lamela if he hopes to contain the Ecuadorian.
In attack, as we’ve said, Tottenham have been frustrated by how willing Swansea have been to close down the player in possession. In truth Spurs have made it difficult on themselves. Many players – especially Chadli – take entirely too much time on the ball or pick passes that don’t contribute to the forward momentum. Against a side pulling itself out of shape to close you down, quick and precise transitions and passing play are absolutely vital. There seems to be far too much time thinking and far too little time doing in Swansea’s third.
All that said, Christian Eriksen’s goal was a delight. Great way for him to open his account this season.
We should expect to see a pacier player like Clinton Njie on at some point in the second half. Perhaps even Townsend at some point. It ain’t over yet.
Next: Fulltime