I thought it best to ponder yesterday's match for a while before writing anything about it. Pre-game, the atmosphere in and around the stadium was great. The sun was shining, everyone was looking forward to the game and most people were confident of at least a point. As it turned out, it wasn't to be...
The game itself was a fairly timid affair, and definitely had an end of season feel to it. I don't feel there is much point in over-analysing the game yesterday, and to be honest I don't want to either. The first Fulham goal seemed like it was due to some overly zealous defending on Chico's part, the second saw Berbatov running free after no pressure was put on the passer (and in my opinion Vorm went down too easily), while the third was a tap-in from a rebound with only seconds remaining.
All of the goals can be considered disappointing, while another thing worth mentioning was the performance of Lee Mason. He endeared himself to Swans fans by disallowing a perfectly good Roland Lamah goal at the Hawthorns earlier in the season, and made sure no-one could accuse him of favouring the home team yesterday, allowing a series of fouls on Swansea players without caution before deciding to break the yellows out when the Fulham players got fouled instead. Ok, he only booked two Swans' players however I felt it was a particularly poor show yesterday. A perfect summation of his performance was when, deep into first half injury time (which had arisen due to extended play-acting from Emmanuel Frimpong) he blew the half time whistle with the Swans attacking the Fulham box. You rarely see referee's blow up there, but Lee Mason isn't your average referee.
I can adequately compare my feelings about the game yesterday to the experience of trying to buy a pint at half time. I don't like missing any of the game, so I waited until the half time whistle, before nipping to the gents and then trying to queue for a pint. With minutes left until the second half kicked off I'd progressed about a third of the way through the queue, and what's more (as you all know) your lager option is Carling - and whether it's poured straight from a can or from a tap it's a nasty, nasty drink. Service at the stadium has to improve - at present the club are literally throwing money away as people are growing frustrated with what is a very unprofessional level of service. I know it's subcontracted, but there's no urgency about the staff at the food and drink kiosks in what should be a frenetic working environment.
Anyway, rant over. As stated I don't like to criticse too heavily given the team's exploits this season. It's understandable performances dipped after winning a cup, but to finish 9th is a great achievement and will have seen us pick up a bit of extra TV cash to boot. With the season now over, attention will turn to transfer wheelings and dealings, and the forthcoming Europa League draw. I for one can't wait, and with Laudrup hinting that some of his transfer targets will excite Swansea fans we could be in for an exciting summer yet...
