Mistle17

swanseas style of play wouldn't fit us, it wouldn't get best use from what we have, their style may well change with differing personnel. Maybe so, and I do agree with what you are saying. I was thinking during the game how most of their players would look pretty poor in our side the way we play. The personnel available general dictates (or limits) the systems you can play.

When you play the way Swans play at home, if you lack that attacking cutting edge then the longer the game goes on, or if you don't score first, the tougher it becomes. Away from home its slightly different as the initiative isn't completely on them.

I cant believe people are saying they'd refuse Swansea's style of play compared to ours of even only a month ago They're no Barcelona but they keep the ball well and generally stick to their philosophy. I don't know why people can't just appreciate the way they play without going overboard one way or the other. They're not perfect by any means but they attempt to play the game the right (or modern) way. Kudos imo.

Brittain was playing almost as a CB at times when Swansea had possession.

It's very easy for teams to come up from the Championship (play-offs) and play with fear of being outclassed by the Premiership big boys. A lot of teams prefer to grind out results and play within themselves. Whether you think its boring or not I think Brendan Rodgers should be given credit for the style of play he has implemented at Swansea and it has brought them success as well, which makes it even more admirable. You look at the (ridiculous) money Tony Pulis has spent at Stoke and what their fans are served up with. If Rodgers makes some good signings in the summer that fit his system I think Swansea could be in for another top half finish next season, definitely. For me I'm pleased to see football being played in the right way, or at least attempted. Considering the attention its got hopefully it can serve as an education to the public about the value of the ball and possession football.

Pards' decision to play Cabs much higher up the pitch was canny good like

Exactly!

I must say in the past month or two I've been highly critical of him, and imo that was justified. But since the West Brom game he's turned the team on its head and seemed to find the right balance throughout the team. We are now playing much improved football. Instead of being negative and worrying more about the opposition he's focused more on the ammunition at our disposal instead and found a way to fit Ben Arfa, Cisse and Ba in the same team together...and it's worked! Also his decision to deploy Jonas as a CM has impressed me. The way we set up now is just perfect for away games, especially. Long may it continue. Edit- And the way he's plugged the gaps at the back with such a threadbare defence has been fantastic.

I'm honestly not expecting a feast of goals here. I think it'll be tighter than we think- although we should definitely have enough to see Bolton off. If Cabaye and Tiote are out then Coloccini coming back should nearly balance things out.

If he scored today or even last week then I don't think Sky would have tried to make a meal out of the situation. But did anyone see him on the bench when Cisse scored the second? He looked quite miserable to say the least. As Rob Lee said, it's what happens next season that could dictate.

-1

Tbh, while I agree he's done well, I'd question his stubbornness with how he has them playing. Yes, carpet football is nice to watch but you looked comfortable today. They have no plan B and plan A, just recently, has consistently not been working. They're a good side but not good enough to just cut through teams constantly. Obviously, looks great when it does work. True, but with the players at his disposal I don't think they'll be able to produce that cutting edge at the end of their fantastic football. Well, at least not consistently. I think if Rodgers brought in new, better players that could play in his system it could be a different story.

Demba gets strawberry syrup with his trebles, like.

Met Leon Best in Florita's on Sunday night after the game. (I) Was absolutely hammered but can remember shaking his hand and he said he'll be back in two weeks... Also saw Danny Simpson in Bijoux that night and Ben Arfa on Monday night in The Gate. I'm on a stalking role!

That spoiler

Draw

Yeah, there wasn't a whole lot to separate us- I thought it was quite a 'fragile' game, as in both teams like a bit vulnerable against each other. But when we scored I think that really flattened them and they struggled from there on.

Brilliant!!

Same gameplan against WBA is what I'd be tempted to play. Like prior to yesterday, I would be happy with a draw but we're capable!

I know we've proved we're capable of replacing players adequately, but I see no need to break up the spine of our team, we should be looking to add to it/build around it. But then again if as ridiculous money offer comes in then I guess it must be considered. Can't see Chelsea throwing money about this summer, so only Man City realistically can I see making huge offers.

What other teams did you have on mate? That's disastrous!

Certainly does highlight how average/uncompetitive our league can be. For competition and entertainment the Bundesliga is right up there.

Certainly Tiote. Nervous about Ba though.

Just avoid defeat here. Please.