As a neutral it's hard not to like Swansea. They play football the “right” way afterall, getting it down and passing it. Even if at times they play themselves into trouble its impossible not to appreciate the intent behind Swansea's slick passing.
Watching the Swan's last three games games however, it is clear that they fall into the category of tired. Against St Gallen yesterday Swansea continued a trend that was noticeable against Hull on Monday. They looked tired. The build-up play was laboured and the pressing when the opposition had the ball was lethargic.
In some ways this is understandable. Swansea's season began on August 1st with a Europa League qualifier. Since then they have played 25 competitive games in total and its only mid-December.
Swansea's squad however is beginning to crack under the pressure of playing twice a week. Michu and Bony have both picked up niggling injuries at various times of this season exposing Swansea's lack of depth upfront. Michel Vorm needs an operation on his knee and squad players like Angel Rangel and Leon Britton (amongst others) add to the list of those lining up for treatment.
Worryingly for Swansea they are only two wins off the relegation places or realistically one defeat or a couple of draws from being dragged into the relegation battle. As teams such as Phil Brown's Hull and Alex McLeish's Birmingham City can attest once you get dragged into the relegation dogfight anything can happen.
On paper Swansea might look to good to compete in the relegation battle but unless they find a second wind from somewhere that is what might well happen.
Source: DSG
