Job done.
Forget the obstacles put in the way by a Swansea side who, in the first half, did to City what City have done to so many this season.
Forget that the stats, for once, saw City come out second best.
Forget that City scored with their only on-target shot of the game.
And forget that a pocket of Leeds fans took to Twitter last night to deride us for being lucky/quiet/tuneless/inbred/farmers/unworthy.
The purpose of the exercise was to get three more points on the board, and it mattered not one jot that we were not at our fluent best or that Graham Potter, quite rightly, could point to the stats to argue his team were good value for at least a point. And the fact we appeared to needle some of Bielsa’s babes was a big fat bonus.
This wasn’t vintage City, it didn’t need to be, but this was City digging in when the Swans pretty passing patterns created too many dangerous-looking inroads for comfort. There’s no escaping the fact that Ollie McBurnie up top would have added another layer. I guess his illness will be perceived as another stroke of City luck by the Yorkshire hoards.
Potter had done his homework and set his side up in a shape that used two Swansea veterans to pin back Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons and prevent them from hitting those advanced areas from which we launch so many attacks.
While this created a problem on both sides, the fact Emi Buendia naturally drifts – unlike Argos Hernandez who is a more traditional winger – meant City had next to no threat down the right flank, and the Swans prospered.
Even the usually effective high press didn’t work particularly well in the first-half, and Mike van der Hoorn and co were technically adept enough to pass round and through it almost with impunity. But, with our full-backs having no option but to play as old school full-backs and Christoph Zimmermann and Ben Godfrey being dragged into a technical rather than bruising battle, they responded to the challenge in a way befitting a side with the scent of Premier League in their nostrils.
The passing too was imprecise and without the fluidity with which we’ve become accustomed but, bar a few flailing arms and furrowed brows, the heads were clear and the belief in the system remained. And even amidst the nerves and wayward passes, the quality we have ensured that half-chances still came our way. From the best one, Teemu Pukki screwed his shot wide with Carrow Road waiting for the net to bulge.
There was still no escaping the quality of Swansea’s passing, which was as good as anything we have seen at Carrow Road all season, and while the whites of Tim Krul’s eyes were never exposed, it took one herculean challenge from Zimmermann to smother a Dan James cross that was about to offer Wayne Routledge a tap-in. Upon such heroism, promotions are built.
The half-time whistle was, nevertheless, a welcome sound and such is the faith we all now have in Daniel Farke and his team, there was a collective belief that the second half would bring with it renewed hope and vigour. And sure enough…
A few tactical tweaks later, coupled no doubt with a reminder that Championship wins have to be earned, and it was a more positive, energetic City that began the second half, with Marco Stiepermann noticeably getting closer to Pukki – forming at times a top two.
And of course, when you have a little magician like Buendia in your side, you always have the unexpected in your armoury. His 54th-minute strike, set up by some clever play from the man at Collection Point B, was as unerring as it was unexpected.
As others have said, for all his obvious quality, spectacular goals have not been his thing so far but as his howitzer fizzed passed a helpless Kristoffer Nordfeldt his value nudged up another million or two. And let’s not forget, as someone reminded me on Twitter, he was purchased for a fee akin to that we received from Bristol City for the services of one Marley Watkins.
Wow.
From thereon in it was very much a case of game management and, while the flow was still elusive, the swagger returned. And while Carrow Road remained a nervy place – let’s call it the squeaky bum effect – you got the feeling the players felt it was a game they controlled. And other than a van der Hoorn header that flew over, Krul had few scares.
The substitutions too were telling and timely. Mo Leitner, Mario Vrancic and Timm Klose would grace any team in this division yet were restricted to time-buying cameos, such is the value of a first-XI shirt right now.
Leitner, in particular, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline and Farke can expect a tap on the door between now and Wednesday. There is a hunger and desire in this group right now; one that needs to be carefully nurtured and managed because it’s that which could just take us all the way.
Performances of technical excellence and which epitomise the beautiful game may just be few and far between over the next ten games, but last night’s ability to find a way/get the job done (take your pick) was the latest reminder of how the Class of 2019 differs from its 2018 counterpart.
Pretty football alone is insufficient to achieve anything, but when it’s wedded to grit, desire, resilience and togetherness, then good things can happen. And good things are happening.
So, all eyes turn to Bramall Lane and Ashton Gate. No pressure lads.
It certainly was a strange night! I don’t think the waterlogged pitch helped our passing game, but that said, the Swans coped better than we did. Two – one down at half time against Bristol and I always felt we’d get back in it. No score at half time last night and I feared the worst. Swansea reminded me a lot of us last season – lots of the ball, seemingly endless set pieces but no real goal threat (maybe McBurns absence was the footballing gods shining on us) This season we dug in and found a way. I’m beginning to dare to hope, but I’m sure there will be many more games like this before May! OTBC
Interesting point about the wet pitch, I remember we had a similar issue when we played at Hull with our passes just being held up a split second.
Interesting link about effectivly swapping Watkins for Emi in terms of bank balance, to take it one step further, we got Watkins on a free so that makes Emi a free (tongue in cheek). Given Pukki, Zimbo, Trybull were frees and the quality like Mo, Vrancic, Hanley, Argos and Stepi were picked up very cheaply gives me high hopes IF we go up that our recruitment will be savvy. No more Naismiths – ironically at a time when we are releasing him. Talk about full circle.
If we do splash some cash then I’d love to see Angus back dependant on if saints stay up and if he is still first team. We will need a mobile striker – Farke talks well about McBurnie. Unless we have an option that means we have to buy Rhodes if promoted then I can’t see him staying. Shame as seems to be part of the team ethos. I can see Srbeny going out on loan so we will need a frontline striker to give Pukki a hand.
10 to go! My sister is a Leeds supporter so it makes our weekend texts fun. We do both agree tho – we should go up together as we both play exciting football and give youth a chance. We both would also like to see Wilders face lose in the playoffs.
OTBC
Hanley was not cheap.
Strange reading you views on a Saturday. still a great read
Being perfectly honest I thought we beat the Swans at a canter last time round, but I didn’t think we would get it so again. How right I was but and some, they were way better than I thought, their passing was up with City at our best. The last time I really looked at their progression aftr relegation was the voices shout at Potter as not the man for them, but he has done a job, with major injuries to two old City boys along with their top scorer, he put out a ruddy decent side.
He had worked out a way to contain us and sadly that was shown to all and sundry, including other managers, I know perhaps they are already with that written in their notebooks or pads. So perhaps Mr F needs a quicker fix to this method, it changed the complete way we normally play, it wasn’t until Routlige & Dyer tired and fell back did our boys get the total freedom , although in truth the did bring that much to the party.
Webber and Farke could do a lot worse than try to sneak Master James away from Swansea and upset them upt north a little more.
I didn.t need stats to see who played the better, whose passing was top notch, nor shots, they don’t win games it is putting the roundy thing into the square holed thing. And that is what really counts., we did and they didn’t and that matters most. I didn’t think Krul had that much work to do 2-3 bread and butter saves, even if he did try and give his mates, coach and crowd a couple of heart attacks, in trying to give Swans a helping hand . The pitch was wet slowing the ball down, but it was the same for them, they coped better for long periods.
That was a grind, a tactical battle, one I enjoyed , sky’s coverage is good if you turn the commentary off as the comments are normally miles away from what is what. I had Chris Goreham on the wireless in one ear, which is aprrox a minute or more ahead of the TV , we knew we were OK , I wondered if I could lay a bet on during that delay on Emi scoring,
Now on to wednesday, managed to get me and my son tickets in the gods of the upper Barclay. in the meantime Come on Bristol, City and Warne’s boys
Yes, good read Gary… I must admit although I wouldn’t swap him for anyone there are times when DF really puzzles me. In particular I’m puzzled by his repeated comment that the only thing that gives him sleepless nights is his team selections… when he doesn’t actually make any selections but merely continues to play his current team until someone is injured.
Or perhaps I’m misunderstanding him? The sleepless night is caused by trying to explain to Mo Leitner, after his man of the match performance in the away game, as to why he is not on the pitch until the 85th minute or something in a match that was crying out for his presence from the very first minute to give City more technical control and counter balance in the centre of the pitch? Last night was a night for technicians. Leitner is by far our best (together with Mario Vrancic). I failed to understand why at least one of them, but Leitner especially was not on the pitch. Kenny McLean is a good player, but he is really more of a #10, an alternative to Stiepermann rather than Leitner or Vrancic alongside Trybull. I watched Kenny, and although he was constantly there and trying, he just doesn’t have the passing range and control, or the time and space on the ball that Leitner does.
Swansea played very well last night, we were indebted to Emi to grab those 3 pts… but I still believe we gave ourselves a handicap in the match that was totally unnecessary by not playing Mo from the outside. Ask Graham Potter who he’d rather not be playing against, Leitner or McLean, and it’s no contest what his answer would be… I’m sorry Daniel, but there are times when you DO need to be making actual team selections.
Think Leitner may start against Hull instead of McLean
The thought that Leitner might become disenfranchised and ask for a transfer in the summer gives me sleepless nights! It’s all about man management rather than game management though. We’ve won four games in a row with McClean in the team – what kind of message does it send if he’s then dropped? I don’t envy Farke’s position at all here.
For me this is the problem that Farke has brought upon himself Jack. By not rotating players at all, he does make it seem now that bringing in Leitner in place of McLean is ‘dropping’ the latter, instead of it simply being the most sensible thing to do in the circumstances. McLean was one of our least effective players on the pitch last night and arguably not playing in the position that suits him best either… I would also agree, I would be much more concerned with your first scenario that Leitner gets fed up with his lack of game time and the seeming lack of appreciation of just how much he contributed at the start of the season to getting City on track to the position we are now in..
Interesting one for me and I agree that Leitner may well get fed up with not playing and ask for a transfer Also he brings MUCH more to the team than McLean. I’d Love to see Mo reinstated for Wednesday, or at the very least, be brought on at around the hour mark!!
Surely the answer is that DF needs to explain to McLean that he sees him more as a ’10’ and that he needs Mo or Mario in the position that he is currently occupying. McLean has done well an we have not dropped points but the coming games will get tougher, the margins finer and the potential for catastrophe greater.
Swansea are the first team who seem as comfortable passing the ball in their own area as we do, their goalkeeper seemed very comfortable on the ball and that shows how rare that is. Those who criticise Krul should consider how integral his ability to receive a pass under pressure and play the ball out is to our who style of play (yes I know he nearly had a couple of slips last night but they are the exception not the rule). Great 3 points last night. I had in mind that it would be difficult to win all 6 home matches (someone will sneak a point and someone will get hammered) so it was good to get this out of the way and put the pressure on the others
Swans were great, tired in the 2nd though.
Too many of our players had off days – Pukki, Onel, Steipi, Trybull, all seemed a bit out of sorts. But we still win.
We do lack a little control & dynamism without leitner or vrancic. I’d like to see at least one in for McLean v Hull.
Was interesting to see Leitner’s reaction when Vrancic got called up instead of Mo. He booted the hoardings and had a right sulk-on!
A much important win against a team who I think will be there or there abouts next season!
Didn’t see the Leeds game back in August, but for me, Swansea were by some margin the best side seen at The Carra this season so far. In the first half they comfortably out-Norwiched Norwich!!
I felt that if we got to half-time level then we could kick-on and do the job. What a strike from Emi, and as Swansea tired normality was resumed.
As Gary says, to effecitvely “swap” Buendia for Watkins has to be almost a great a coup as getting Pukki on a free.
Who knows what the Webber plan might be if/when we are confirmed in the Premier League given the riches which accompany that.
As for Swansea, if they can keep the group we saw last night together, I’m sure they will be a decent bet for at least the top 6 next season.
Now there’s only 10 to go……enjoy it people!
O T B C
I can only concur with the other posts wanting Leitner or Vrancic to replace McLean.
McLean looks very laboured in midfield compared to the other two who possess better technique and are therefore, capable of creating a faster rhythm. Surprisingly they can also tackle better than McLean who has been caught out several times in the games he’s played.
Leave Stiepermann where he is. His physical presence is essential in order to provide a platform for our smaller nimble players.
I must also say how much I admire the amount of work Pukki gets through which is incredible. If not scoring he is nonstop in closing the opposition down.
Time to make an actual selection DF!
Great Article and read as usual Gary
Yes city are getting a few trolls from both the South Yorkshire sides but as Farke said last night we have done our job now ut up to them.
Now I agree with some a heavily watered pitch as last nights was seems to impair citues passing abilities ans Swansea really dud make a game of it and on any ither night James or Roberts might have scored.
Emi was pushing the Ref’s buttons last night for such a good player he does like to get niggling touches on the opposition he also goes down a little to easily and if we are going up this will go against him, last night the weather help with the Ref’s decisions but Farke and Webber needs to gave a word in his shell like.
With some interesting games coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday city can’t afford any slip ups so onwards and upwards
OTBC
Great report as ever, Gary.
It’s a challenging league where you play Millwall one week and Swansea the next – what a contrast. As John says, Swansea out-Norwiched Norwich for lengthy periods.
That’s when you need individuals who can do special things. Nordfeldt is probably happy he couldn’t reach Emi’s strike – it would have taken his hand off.
There are a lot of people on here questioning Farke’s decision to continue as is, in particular to continue with McClean. I understand it, I too believe both Leitner and Vrancic better suited to the second midfielders role. But McClean has done little wrong. 4 played, 4 won. not to mention crucial goals. It has been Farke’s MO all season that if you have the shirt you generally keep it. I don’t think he can drop KM. I think the problem is Leitners attitude. Oliveira showing an act of petulance to the managers decision he got castigated. Leitner perhaps should too. Vrancic has been great and it is the managers call who comes on and Leitner showing such open frustration threatens the much vaunted team spirit more than Farkes clear selection policy.
Anyway it’s 3 more points and another giant step towards the PL.
In yesterday’s game Pukki and Stieperdude both had by their standards poor games, should Cantwell and Rhodes start on Wednesday too?
Swansea were very good on the day and everyone of the XI who started deserve credit. once again we won as a team, long may it continue.
Bah!
Pukki was very good last night in closing the opposition down. Missing a clear chance and hitting the post is not indicative of a bad game. His ceaseless closing down in the first half stopped us being overrun.
McLean had a very poor game last night and it’s no wonder Leitner was exasperated at having to watch his clumsy performance.
It seems to me to be a fine line between Mo’s clear frustration and Nelson’s open dissent.
Don’t care how we win now but a great game given the awful weather. Emi Buendia is an exceptional talent. Thought Pukki was immense and don’t accept we were ‘off it’ Swansea were good. Anyone can beat anyone in Championship 3 points always hard to earn.
Going to be a close run thing between the best 3 sides and I’d still back us in play-offs given our squad and mentality. Yorkshire Derby next week is huge and Binners finish against them both so that could be interesting for us City fans emotions. Danny Boy will make changes on Wednesday. Good to see Klosse again at the end.
Don’t change a winning team, but be ready with the “ big hook” at 60 mins, if it’s not working out. I feel sorry for Leitner & Vrancic, but “ that’s football “