Bob Bradley is still looking for his first win at Swansea. Despite this, changes have started to be made.
Swansea City manager Bob Bradley
Swansea fans have not had much to smile about this season, the Welsh side are currently in the relegation zone after winning just one of their first nine league games.
The swift sacking of Francesco Guidolin opened the doors to new American manager Bob Bradley, and since his arrival, the Swans have lost 3-2 to Arsenal and drawn 0-0 to Watford.
Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson in action with Watford’s Troy Deeney at the weekend
A defeat to Arsenal was expected, but the Swans should have used their home advantage against Watford to secure their second win of the season. Bradley will be aware of the situation he is in at Swansea, the side have to start winning games and fast. With that said, against Watford the fans saw a defence that made an immediate impact. The arrival of American Bradley has already prompted positive changes.
Bradley isn’t afraid to drop anyone
Before the opening day of the season Swansea sold their captain and talisman, Ashley Williams. The indispensable figure was replaced in defence by Spaniard Jordi Amat who partnered Federico Fernandez after sitting on the bench at the Liberty Stadium since his arrival in 2013. The centre back pairing has, at times this season been calamitous with both Fernandez and Amat struggling to cope.
Bradley allowed the duo a chance against Arsenal to impress him, and the home side scored three times, but alarmingly could have scored many more. A week later the pair were both dropped in favour of summer recruits Alfie Mawson and Mike van der Hoorn.
The new partnership was a joy to watch, the clean sheet was clear evidence that the managers defensive decision worked. The defence is the first problem that Bradley has addressed, the Swans will have to try and maintain a composed back four while scoring goals to help fire the team out of the bottom three.
Reigniting attacking football
Swansea have always prided themselves on playing expansive, free flowing football, that has seen them receive plenty of plaudits since their promotion to the Premier League in 2011. It has been an integral part of the club’s rise through the divisions, but more recently the attacking approach has been scrapped to secure results.
Since Bradley’s arrival, there has been plenty of talk about tradition and honouring ‘the Swansea way’ of playing. Evidence of the old Swansea way of playing is beginning to appear as the Welsh club were far more fluent in attack away at Arsenal, recording more passes and a higher possession than their opponents, who are also recognised for their expansive approach. With Bradley instilling a familiar brand of football, the players may respond with more encouraging performances.
Stopping the rot
In his opening few press conferences American Bradley has spoken well, and somewhat delivered on the promises he has already made. Having already patched a hole in a shaky defence, Bradley will next have his sights on a first win for the Swans since the opening day of the season.
With an encouraging performance away at Arsenal and turning the corner against Watford, Monday’s match against Stoke City is a perfect opportunity for Bradley to get his first win at Swansea.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
