Swansea City: Why the Goals Have Dried Up Under Russell Martin
Swansea City, the once-proud Welsh side known for their slick, attacking football, are in a bit of a rut. Since Russell Martin took over as manager in 2021, the goals have dried up and the Swans have struggled to find the back of the net consistently.
What's Gone Wrong?
Martin's philosophy is all about possession-based football, playing out from the back and dominating the ball. It's a beautiful, intricate style, but it's also one that requires a lot of precision and a high level of technical ability.
The problem is, the Swans aren't always clicking. There's a lack of cutting edge in the final third. They create chances, but they often fail to convert them. The finishing has been woeful. The stats don't lie: Swansea have scored fewer goals than any other team in the top half of the Championship table. Yikes.
More Than Just Finishing
It's not just about the strikers though. The whole team is struggling to find that killer instinct. There's a lack of urgency in the attacking third, a hesitation to take risks. They seem content to pass the ball around the edge of the box, but they don't seem to be able to find that final pass or that shot that breaks the deadlock.
Can They Turn It Around?
Martin's style is certainly effective when it's working. It can be beautiful to watch when it all clicks. But the Swans need to find a way to add some goals to their game.
There's definitely talent in the squad, but they need to be more ruthless in front of goal. They need to start taking risks and finding a way to break down defences.
The good news is, they still have plenty of time to turn it around. But if they want to be a force to be reckoned with in the Championship, they need to find their scoring boots.
Let's be real, the Swans are in a bit of a pickle. They need to find their mojo quickly, or they risk falling behind in the race for promotion.
Keywords: Swansea City, Russell Martin, Championship, goals, attacking, football, possession, style, finishing, urgency, ruthless, promotion, tactics, football analysis