Swansea once again had a "gritty rearguard action" to thank for their three points yesterday, but it's just reward for hard work on the training ground
When the final whistle blew against Aston Villa yesterday it marked the eighth occasion that the Swans had managed to shut out their opposition this season - a record only matched by one other club (Southampton) - and something which has, in my opinion, not been given it's fair share of the praise this season.
Yes, we've spoken about it here and on The JackCast, but because Southampton started the season posting such crazy defensive statistics it was understandable they drew all the plaudits. By their twelfth game of the season they'd only conceded six goals - quite remarkable for a team outside the "big four/five/six" - but that form was unsustainable and they've dropped back into the pack now, so to speak. Granted, they still have the second best defence behind Chelsea (who've conceded 13 goals to Saints' 14), but a look at the Premier League table sorted by "Goals Conceded" paints an interesting picture.
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| Image from whoscored.com |
As you can see, the Swans sit fifth when the league is organised by goals conceded. As mentioned, Southampton & Swansea both lead the way in terms of clean sheets with eight (Chelsea & Man City have both kept seven), but I think given how much Southampton were heralded for their defence earlier this season, it's only fair the Swans get held up for having a much improved rearguard too.
What do I think has been the deciding factor? There are a few which have undoubtedly helped, but I honestly believe the biggest influence on our defensive rigidity has been Garry Monk. I've referred to it often, but you only have to look at how much Ashley Williams improved whilst playing alongside him to acknowledge that Monk has an excellent understanding of how to organise a defence.
What's more, on numerous occasions Monk did an excellent job for us whilst, essentially, not being able to run. He played with an injury in the playoff final, and (I think it was our second Premiership season) came into the team when we had a defensive injury crisis - obviously not fit - and was still able to do an excellent job. You can only do that when you have a thorough understanding of defensive formations, shape, who to mark... I'm by no means an expert in this department - I'm just glad Monk is!
There are, of course, other factors to consider which have helped our defence become tighter week by week, and I'd say the most notable of these would be the form of Lukasz Fabianski. From day one I was of the belief he'd be a massive upgrade on Vorm, and so far I've seen nothing which would lead me to question my opinion - in fact I'd go as far as to say he's performed even better than I expected! Some of his stops against Villa were outstanding, and it's so nice to have a 'keeper between the sticks who seems to enjoy coming for high balls.
The effect having a quality goalkeeper has on the defence is a calming one, and this can also be said to have had an effect in how we defend. If defenders know their goalkeeper will be coming for the ball every time it means they can mark another man instead, or scan around to see where else they should be.
Considering the changes we've had to make at the back throughout this season, our record of only nineteen goals conceded in eighteen games becomes even more impressive. Ash started out being partnered by Jordi Amat, injury brought in Fede Fernandez before he himself was replaced by Kyle Bartley.
All three impressed during their stint in the team, but Fernandez's return at the expense of Bartley against Hull definitely gave us a more assured look at the back, and he's showing now why we paid £8million to bring him to the club. He followed that up with another excellent showing against Villa, though whether he'll be deemed fit enough to complete the next two matches is another question. I hope he can though - we've kept five clean sheets in the eight Premier League games he's started so far this season. That said, while statistics show we're better off with Fede in the team, I'm confident in Bartley & Amat.
If either are picked to rest Fernandez I'm sure they'll give a good account of themselves, but what's pleasing is our defensive stability is borne of a number of factors, not just the good form of our expensively-acquired Argentinian. Fabianski has been excellent and a definite improvement, as has Fernandez, while the continued improvement of Amat & Bartley means we have four quality centre-backs to choose from. Jazz has looked tidy when called upon (one pass aside), while Taylor has been performing steadily and Rangel looked back to his best against Villa.
If we continue to improve as we have been, there's every reason to believe we'll become as known for our solid defence as we have been - until this point - for our patient possession football.
Finding the balance between the two, that's the key...