2012/2013 Season
Review:
The exit of Brendan Rodgers
to Liverpool threaten to derail the Swans’ season before it had even begun.
However, Huw Jenkins pulled off what turned out to be a masterstroke, bringing
in the Danish superstar Michael Laudrup to run the Welsh club. The former
Mallorca manager used his substantial knowledge of the Spanish game, bringing
in no fewer than 4 players from the continent. Chico Flores, Michu, Jonathan de
Guzman and Pablo Hernandez all left the sunnier climate of Spain for the rather
more wet environment of South Wales. Celtic’s Ki Sung Yung was the Dane’s only
summer signing not to come from Spain, but all of which would contribute
significantly during the season. Michu in particular was an outstanding
signing, for only £2.2 million, and his quality was instantly indicated in the
Swansea’s opening day 5-0 demolition of QPR. A subsequent 3-0 home win over
West Ham took the Swans to the league summit for the first time since their
return, but three subsequent league defeats in September put Swansea quite a
way behind, leading people to worry about the transition from Rodgers to
Laudrup.
Swansea’s
Capital One Cup form remained strong, and eventually began to improve their league
results. Progression to the Quarter Final at the end of October could well have
been the driving force behind the Swans going the entirety of November
unbeaten, culminating in an impressive 2-0 win away at the Emirates at the
beginning of December. Swansea then beat Middlesbrough in their Quarter Final
to set up an intriguing two-legged semi against the favourites for the
competition Chelsea. Another long unbeaten run followed over the New Year,
spanning 7 games, including a very impressive 2-0 first leg lead in the Capital
One Cup at Stamford Bridge. However, despite a positive performance in one cup
competition, the Swans exited the FA Cup at the first opportunity, away at
Arsenal.
A
highly-charged second leg at the Liberty against Chelsea followed the FA Cup
exit, in which the Swans showed an exemplary rear guard action to deny the
Blues a route through. The frustration was all too much for Chelsea winger Eden
Hazard, who got into an altercation with a ball boy, in which he appeared to
kick the youngster. Whilst both parties later apologised to one another, it
still marred what was otherwise an historic night for Swansea City, who would
travel to Wembley as overwhelming favourites against League 2 side Bradford
City. Swansea’s league form before the cup final took an almost pre-cautionary
slump, as players appeared to be more concerned with avoiding injury. With the
Swans clearly safe in mid-table, maximum effort was no longer required, and
players could look forward to the cup final in good spirits. Nowhere was this
mentality better displayed that at Anfield the game before the final, where the
Swans capitulated to a 5-0 defeat.
The
slacking off in the previous few games obviously paid off however, as in their
main showpiece, Swansea were rampant, thrashing Bradford 5-0 at Wembley to
secure their first major trophy in their 101 year history. Braces from Dyer and
De Guzman, along with a typical goal from Michu, ensured that Swansea would be
getting their hands on silverware, and claiming a place in next season’s Europa
League in the process. After the euphoric Wembley victory, Swansea’s league
form took a dramatic nosedive, with them only winning 2 of their following 11
games until the end of the season. They were certainly fortunate they had
amassed as many points as they did at the beginning of the season, otherwise
they could have found themselves in considerable trouble by the end of it.
Nevertheless,
this season can only be seen as an unqualified success for Swansea, and for
Welsh football in general, as with Cardiff joining the Premier League next
season, Wales will make up 10% of the top flight. A first trophy and a top 10
finish is more than sufficient for their second season back in the Premier
League, and with Michael Laudrup’s style of attractive football, I cannot see
Swansea finding their Premier League status in trouble any time soon.
Player of the Season:
Michu – An easy contender for bargain of the season, Michu started as he
meant to go on, with an opening day brace. Deadly in front of goal,
particularly in the first half of the season, ensured that Swansea occupied a top
10 finish and a trophy by the end of the year. The fact that Michu ended the
Premier League campaign in 5th place in the goalscoring charts,
ahead of any Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea player, shows just how
successful a first season it has been for the popular Spaniard, who will surely
command a much higher price tag as a result.
Game of the Season: Bradford
City 0-5 Swansea – Easily the best day of Swansea’s season, and arguably one of
the best days in the history of the football club. The tag of overwhelming
favourites did not phase the Swans one bit, attacking from the off before
Nathan Dyer rolled in his first after 16 minutes. The Welsh side kept their
foot to the floor, and soon they had a second, with Michu placing a shot past
Matt Duke to effectively end the game as a contest. Three more goals and a red
card followed, and Swansea were left jubilant, with their first trophy in their
101 year history.
Summer Transfer
Targets (What I Think They Need): In terms of signings, Michael Laudrup
performed exceptionally well at the beginning of this season, bringing in
clearly well scouted and well established players, all of which he knew would adapt
quickly to his style of football. Similar nouse will be required this summer,
though i suspect there will be significantly fewer signings. Another striker to
take the pressure off Michu’s shoulders could be possible, along with another
strong central midfielder to break up the play. Celtic’s Victor Wanyama and Gary
Hooper could both be adequate signings in the summer.
Transfer Gossip
Links:
In:
Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, LW), Kasper Schmeichel
(Leicester City, GK), Junior Hoilett (QPR, LW)
Out:
Ashley Williams (Arsenal, Liverpool, CB)
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