Robert Dickie’s second-half header was enough to condemn a disappointing Swansea City to defeat against Bristol City at Ashton Gate Stadium, as the Swans conceded following a corner in their second consecutive EFL Championship match. Despite dominating possession, Swansea were unable to produce a single shot on target. Their performance was perhaps best summed up by a viral moment where Ronald kicked the ball directly out of play attempting to take a short corner. The Brazilian winger was later penalised for a rare foul-throw offence.
Swansea City Lose 1-0 to Bristol City In Dull Performance: Key Takeaways
All Possession No Purpose
In a scenario all too familiar to the fans, their team once again failed to capitalise on their monopoly of possession against Bristol City. They possessed the ball for over twice as much of the match as their opponents with a whopping 72% of the total ball possession. Swansea also completed over double the number of passes made by Bristol, with 577 in total.
Over their last two fixtures, the Swans have averaged 67.5% possession, but have failed to score a goal (discounting own goals) from 2.3 expected. They have charted 70% possession or more in three league fixtures this season, and have failed to win on any of those occasions.
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The Robins frustrated the away side in a match that was devoid of any sparks of brilliance. Luke Williams needs to get his team firing like his free-scoring Notts County side to quell any fears of relegation.
Matt Grimes Midfield Domination
Central midfielder Matt Grimes dominated Bristol in the middle of the park, at times looking almost untouchable. He completed the most passes, 91, the most progressive passes, ten, and had the most touches, 106, of any player on the pitch. He also made sizable defensive contributions, recovering the ball five times, making two tackles, and one interception.
Exeter-born Grimes made his professional debut at his hometown club Exeter City before being signed by Swansea in 2015. After a series of loan moves to EFL clubs such as Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United, the former England U21 international got his chance at a run of first-team fixtures by Graham Potter. Grimes quickly became a favourite of Potter due to his positional versatility and performances.
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The 28-year-old is now his team’s captain and has been for each of the last five seasons. He has made a total of 292 appearances for the South Wales club, becoming one of the most consistent players in the Championship during that time.
Amongst his positional peers in the division, Grimes ranks in the top 10% for progressive passes, passes into the final third, touches, carries, passes completed, and total passing distance. Despite the midfielder being linked with moves away in the past, he signed a long-term contract in 2018 which will see him remain at the Swansea.com Stadium until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Przemysław Płacheta Goalscoring Woes Continue
One of William’s first signings as Swansea boss, Przemysław Płacheta was signed from Norwich City for free after a mutual cancellation of his contract with the Canaries.
The Polish winger was perhaps signed by Williams to play a similar role to that of Jodi Jones at Notts County. Malta international Jones played up and down the left flank under Williams to great effect, opting to cross the ball from his stronger left foot instead of cutting inside, resulting in a massive 20 assists so far in League Two.
Płacheta has not yet hit form for his new team, failing to register a goal or assist in 533 minutes so far. The 25-year-old’s movement had been good though, with over ten progressive pass receptions per match. The same can be said for Płacheta’s crossing, producing over five per game.
However, the former Poland international has one historical weakness in his game, a lack of goals. Płacheta has only scored ten league goals in his career so far. He missed a golden chance against the Robins in the 57th minute, slicing a first-time shot wide. He now has amassed 1.4 xG without scoring.
What’s Next For Bristol And Swansea
With Swansea failing to grasp the opportunity to overtake Bristol, they remain in 15th place in the league, only five points above the relegation zone. The opposition’s three points have moved them into 13th place over Watford.
Both teams have one match to play before the international break starts. The Robbins travel to the Hawthorns to play 5th-placed West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Swansea City have a huge South Wales derby to contend with at home on Saturday. After a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City in the reverse fixture, the Swans must pick up points to avoid a first-ever league double defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals.
