Analysis: Swansea City

Swansea City set up in a 3-5-2 formation. Recovering movements from wing-backs Martin Olsson and Connor Roberts created a defensive back five when needed.

Carlos Carvalhal’s team built using longer balls from deep in possession, looking to pin Southampton’s back line. Despite losing the majority of the first balls, the Swans’ central-midfield unit aggressively pressed the second ball. The trio of Andy King, Sam Clucas and Ki Sung-yueng effectively harried Southampton’s two central midfielders, often winning back possession immediately.

Throughout the first half, however, the home side’s attack was ineffective. Their final-third entries often came in wide areas – which seemed unintentional, as though they were forced towards the wing-backs rather than actively looking for them.

Olsson and Roberts often found themselves with slightly more space, which encouraged passes out wide. This avoided the Saints’ central midfield underload and forced Swansea’s wing-backs to deliver crosses into the penalty area. But, with minimal attacking threat, the hosts rarely troubled the Southampton defence or goalkeeper.

Although inefficient in attack, Swansea were, for the most part, effective when defending, particularly during transitions towards their own goal. This limited Southampton’s attacks, as they prioritised defensive clearances over expansive build-up play from deep.

Until Tammy Abraham was introduced midway through the second half, Swansea looked poor in front of goal. Abraham provided the aerial threat they had looked desperate for. During the build-up phase, Abraham powerfully attacked the longer balls, flicking them into the path of midfield runners from deep. The on-loan Chelsea striker was also a threat from crosses into the area, forcing Alex McCarthy into two instinctive parries late on.

Despite late pressure, neither Abraham nor Swansea could penetrate Southampton’s defensive block, as the home crowd were forced to accept a defeat that all but confirms their relegation from the Premier League.