By Red Army
January 18 2021

Swansea beat Barnsley 2-0 for the second time in just over a month to open up a four-point gap over Bournemouth in third place to further strengthen their promotion aspirations and put a dent in Barnsley’s. Goals from Ben Cabango and Jamal Lowe were enough to beat the reds who are in the dizzy heights of 10th in the table. 

The reds made two changes from the side that beat Tranmere at Oakwell a week ago bringing Adeboyejo and Jack Walton back into the starting lineup at the expense of Brad Collins and Dom Freiser who dropped to the bench. There was also a place on the bench for new signing Carlton Morris who joined from Norwich early in the January window.

The pitch was a little boggy due to the recent snowfall which may have hampered both sides but it was nowhere near as bad as the pitch that Swansea served up in the reverse fixture but it may have contributed to the reds being even more long ball than usual. That or perhaps it is a tactic we seem to use even more against the top teams as we feel that it is the only way to compete?

Barnsley got the first chance of the game not long after the ten-minute mark but Adeboyejo fired well over from the edge of the box. Herbie Kane had picked him out over the top but the striker blazed over much to the frustration of strike partner Woodrow who was in plenty of space to his right. Surely the pass to Woodrow was the only option there and if he had made it then it would surely have been 1 – 0 Barnsley. Having said that, I don’t’ want to be too critical of Adeboyejo who I think was the pick of the front three and justified his selection over Frieser.

Chaplin also had a good chance for the reds as he volleyed towards goal after the ball fell to him following a corner. His goal bound effort was hit with real power but was well blocked by Swansea skipper Matt Grimes.

Swansea were defending well but offering very little going forward. The main threat for the away side was coming via long throws from Connor Roberts. However, despite the lack of threat, it was the visitors that took the lead right on the stroke of half time. His throws are proper long throws. Wanged in with pace at a consistent height and difficult to defend against. They are several notches up from the drivel we attempt through Kane and Frieser.

With literally the last attack of the first half, Roberts launched a long throw into the box, clever shielding from former Barnsley loanee Korey Smith blocked Sollbauer from being able to challenge for the ball and Ben Cabango was able to get to the ball and loop his header into the far corner. A real sucker punch for the home side who had not been tested at all up until that point.

An absolutely gutting time to concede and it was fair to say that Barnsley had been the better side in the first half.

The away side started the second half the brighter team but Barnsley’s recent record of coming back to win after conceding the opening goal should have given the reds confidence that they could get back in to this one.

Just ten minutes in though and the away side were rewarded for their bright start to the second half when they did extend the lead thanks to the in-form Jamal Lowe who capitalised on a really poor mix-up at the back between Helik and Andersen.

The ball was played up towards Lowe but Andersen stepped across and it looked like he would easily head the ball away. Unfortunately, saw defensive partner big Helik coming towards him and absolutely bricked it allowing Lowe to run through and slide the ball under Walton. Upon seeing the replay Lowe was in an offside position when the ball was played up to him but that doesn’t excuse the woeful defending and communication by the Barnsley defenders and it was a goal that was easily avoidable.

Roberts again was causing the hosts problems with his long throw with Barnsley having to scramble another one away. It was no real shock to see them struggling so much against this.

Barnsley pushed to get back into the game and handed a debut to Carlton Morris who replaced Chaplin and Romal Palmer also came on for Kane to try and add some extra bite into the midfield.

Palmer contributed more to the game than Kane had after only being on the pitch for a few minutes. Kane has had a few games now and failed to impress. It is time to start Palmer in his place next match or bring in Odour and move Styles in to midfield.

Morris looked decent when he came on. Big, strong, pacey, able to run at defenders, already looks to have more to offer than Frieser, Thomas and Schmidt.

Brittain did go agonisingly close to pulling one back for the reds though but his wonderful long-range effort was more than matched by a fantastic save by Woodman. The ball broke to the right wing-back some 30 yards out and he hit it superbly and it looked destined for the top corner but the Swansea keeper tipped it over the bar with a strong left hand. It was a worldy strike and a worldy save to match it.

Swansea showed why they are one of the top two with a professional and solid away performance. It was by far a vintage away win and Barnsley matched them for most of the game Swansea defended resolutely and that was the main difference on the night. Barnsley were the architects of their own downfall with poor marking for the opening goal before a shocking mix up for the second.

Many Reds fans will be disappointed with the performance and result but they remain in 10th which is a lot higher than many expected them to be at this stage in the season and remain well clear of any relegation danger.

Just like the Norwich game, there was no shame in the defeat, however there was in the manner of the goals conceded. We are still a young and at times naïve team and when we come up against the very best in this league the difference in class in there to be seen.

The Andersen and Helik mix up for the second goal was truly horrendous. They can’t afford to make errors like that, not only as it will cost you points but also with how well Sibbick has looked when he has come on. He also offers something that the current back three don’t have and that is pace.

Another difficult game as we travel to Watford on Tuesday. Anything against teams like this is a bonus really but it would certainly be a shame if a few bad results put us out of the play-off picture and made some players push for a move before the end of the month.

COYR