Swansea Match Ratings

[bigneville]

Weale - 6 - Nothing to do at all. Poor mark reflects his poor distribution.

Naughton - 7 - Is getting back to the way he started for the club game by game after a confidence knock. Solid.

Hobbs - 7.5 - Another solid game. Distribution wasn't terrible today, but he lead the line well, and kept Jermaine Easter very quiet.

Morrison - 6.5 - His lack of communication was one of the main reason's that City's midfield was lost for periods in the first half, due to his inability to pass on a man to another player or take ownership of a player to free up a midfielder to press the ball. and his ability on the ball is shocking. However, he did help contribute to the goal, and battled well. But is clearly not good enough longer term. If you compare the centre back's of both teams, Morrison was definetly the poorest on the pitch. If the game was all about kick and rush he would be fine, but at this level we need him to have some footballing ability and he just doesn't have it.

Berner - 8 - Solid, gave Sven a definete decision to make about the left back decision. He was strong and got forward well. Rewarded with his goal.

Wellens - 7 - Poor first half, but second half he stepped up to the plate, and helped City stamp some authority on the game. Also, that first time pass to put Vassell in on goal when De Vries made the world class save was unbelieveable.

King - 7 - Battled well and got involved. Missed several chances early in the second half, which I thought was going to cost us. But a solid game in the middle of the park for Mr King. Lead the team well.

Abe - 6.5 - Was everywhere at times, covered soooo much ground its amazing. However, again he was wasteful with the ball. Has clearly found his role in the midfield three.

Gallacher - 6.5 - Too lightweight most of the times, but finally but some decent corner deliveries into the box. Grew with confidence as the game went on and was reflected in his fancy touches at the end. Needs improvement shortly or will find himself losing his place in the team.

Vassell - 7.5 - Had a tough task up home alone, often chasing down without any support, but through the middle he looks a different player. Again caused the opposition lots of problems, and was rewarded with his goal.

Dyer - 7 - Started well, but faded very quickly. Worked hard to try and get some joy. However, wasn't given enough ball in the danger areas to make a telling impact. Improving.

Subs

Waghorn - 6.5 - Didnt have time to make a major impact, but he will get his chance shortly to show he too can also do the Vassell role.

Oakley - 6 - Waste of a sub, did he even touch the ball?

[marbelladave]

From the game.

Weale 6. A fairly typical performance, communication with his centerbacks was often poor as was his distribution. Once again the opposition scored from range though once wrongfooted he had no real chance.

Naughton 6. Given a hard time first half, primarily by Sinclair. Tightened up a lot after the break, even managed a few forward runs but this was one of his more conservative and less effective games.

Morrison 6. Defensively effective in a blunt instrument kind of way. Distribution and his general play still leave a lot to be desired but can't fault his effort.

Hobbs 7. Looked a little more composed than of late, maybe having Berner alongside helped. Still prone to the odd error and still uncomfortable on the left.

Berner 8. Stood the pace pretty well and produced a very decent all round performance. Kept Cotterill pretty quiet and still has the knack of popping up with the odd goal.

Abe 6. Hard working but curiously ineffective, was bossed by Pratley most of the first half but did better second. Poor in possession, his passing seems to have deserted him, tiredness maybe?

Wellens 6.5. Not up to the standard of recent games, mostly in deep positions he was ineffective defensively and easily knocked of the ball when in possession.

King 7. The best, just, of a lackluster midfield. Playing much too far forward, so more easily marked out of the game. Decent attempt from a header.

Dyer 6. Pacy but still largely ineffective. Worked hard but his final ball remains hit and miss and now his finishing seems to have deserted him.

Vassell 8. Hard working throughout, the only player to consistently hurry and harrass the Swansea back 4. Unlucky not to get a second goal after the break.

Gallagher 6. Has the talent to be a pivotal player but it is taking a long time coming. Today was typical, some fine moments and a fair amount of shirking and ducking, but he was involved in both goals, strange.

Oakley and Waghorn. Neither did more than provide fresh legs for a few minutes.