Swansea City’s tepid display at the Etihad Stadium – home of new Premier League champions Manchester City – left our fans frustrated and deflated.
The 5-0 scoreline wasn’t the issue, that was to be expected away at a team that are looking to break records in their final five games, but it was the way we went about it. Carvalhal’s negative tactics contributed, but so too the lack of effort and desire on show.
“Sums up the entire performance. It’s been completely gutless.”
We were looking to upset the title-winning party, but we simply helped the hosts to enjoy it even more.
Some of their fans ran on to the pitch at full time after watching a vintage home performance from Guardiola’s men, but Swansea’s were more than relieved to get off it.
Yes it was Manchester City, and yes they’re a side that have won the title with 5 games to spare, but it doesn’t mean that you go into the game with such a negative attitude and game-plan. We were set up to defend very deep and nothing else, and with their quality, a 12th-minute goal was inevitable, plus the four that followed.
The only positive thing about that was the final whistle.
Utterly embarrassing tactics and effort.
— Paul Thomas (@NeathJack1) April 22, 2018
I’m really glad we sat back to protect our goal difference, it’s worked an absolute treat !! 🙄 Joke of a performance
— Matthew Cude (@MatthewCude93) April 22, 2018
Sums up the entire performance. It's been completely gutless. Sloppy and mistake laden I unfortunately expect, but the lack of effort today is utterly unacceptable!
— Gareth Thomas (@GarfyJ) April 22, 2018
Max Hicks sums up the problem with our tactics today. We played into their hands really. Gave them complete freedom and when you do that, they punish you – multiple times.
Playing a rigid system against City is hopeless. This side are built to destroy "2 banks of 4" set-ups. Everyone in the world knows how those systems work, so there's no surprise or tactical advantage. I'd like to see how City would handle a little chaos.
— Max Hicks (@maxwellhicks) April 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/curtiswoodhous8/status/988090869726068737
Like Daniel says below, regardless of the opposition, we have to give more. You can’t have excuses for that, we surely have to show a bit more fight?
https://twitter.com/JasonAtkinson19/status/988092654717194241
And it wasn’t negative, defensive tactics just because we were at Manchester City either, but we’ve been very defensive away from home wherever we’ve played, whether it’s West Brom, Brighton or the champions.
Mind you, I thought we were a bit like this at brighton, lack of effort. It isn't just because it's Man City.
— Vital Swansea (@VitalSwansea) April 22, 2018
Fortunately for us now, we have 3 home games and only one more away.
Will we set up to defend again when Chelsea are at the Liberty? Surely there’s no way Carvalhal can employ similar tactics again when we need points still?
Have Your Say
What were your thoughts on today’s performance and tactics by Carlos Carvalhal? Let us know in the comments below or get involved in the discussion on the Message Forum here
