The old Adage that “goals win you games” was found wanting last season as Holloways Blackpool capitulated during their fight for Premier League survival. Their initial spectacular form surprised even the most hardened of critics, seemingly outscoring their opponents with wave upon wave of attack. Teams were soon paying more attention to the seasiders, exploiting their defensive frailties with great success. Once again it seemed as though “Big Sam’s” style of play was simply the only way for a newly promoted club to head, kick and squeeze their way to beating the drop. And then Swansea and Norwich came along. . .
Winners of the self proclaimed “most lucrative game in football”; Swansea City’s playoff success became Wales’ playoff success. England’s near neighbours would finally manage to gatecrash the party and plant an imposter in the most prestigious league in the world. Three hundred miles east and Paul Lambert had provided good old Delia Smith with his own recipe for success. The free scoring canaries netted over eighty times during last season and would occupy the second automatic promotion spot come the end of the gruelling forty six game season. Two young British managers had produced teams with a distinctive style of play. The pace of Swansea’s Sinclair and Dyer were at times devastating whilst Norwich’s narrow midfield was a diamond with a cutting edge. The ever dependable Grant Holt, always on hand to finish off a chance with the most ruthless of finishes. Let the promotion parties commence.Now it’s no secret that newly promoted sides acknowledge the strength of the Premier League and adopt a defensive policy in the hope of stealing points rather than earning them. And as consistent as gravity, this seemed to be the case since the advent of the premier league two decades ago. See the Real.Educated.Football promoted manager checklist below for further details:
2)Obtain two centre halves who are six foot plus and know the true meaning of head, kick, throw-in.
3)Play two full backs that are confined to their own half and if they even say the word “overlap” a week’s wages are deducted.
4)Five across the middle. One holding player, usually of African origin.
5)Two centre midfielders who have mastered the art of crab football (can only play/pass to the side for those not familiar with the term).
6)Two wingers with no pace but love to help out their full backs with a spot of defending.
7)A solitary striker. Lonely. Frustrated. Wants to go home.
8)Manager’s limited vocabulary consists of: “hit the channels, tight and compact, play to our strengths, get men behind the ball, we can get something today lads, stop them playing.”
Norwich and Swansea defied their predecessors and simply-said-no. Under the guidance of Paul Lambert and Brendan Rogers, they have both respectfully developed a system that suits their players and is unquestionably outperforming any expectations. Swansea in particular, although sitting three places below Norwich, has received universal praise for their footballing ethos. Possession. Defenders all too comfortable to receive the ball from the impressive Michel Vorm and look to play from the back. Their fluidity and trickery in midfield is enshrined in Leon Britton who boasts a pass completion rate of 93.3%, Barcelona’s king of simplicity Xavi, just short on 93%. As a team they have the sixth best passing accuracy stats in Europe, minnows in respect to Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Whilst the Welsh contingency keeps the ball with style, sophistication and suave, the East Anglicans have taken the form of a quiet, methodical and well oiled machine. The dampening of his side’s aspirations has become a cornerstone of Lambert’s management style, fostering a healthy underdog spirit at the club. He keeps expectations levels of his side relatively low key and refuses to rest on his laurels. The blossoming talents of Pilkington, Surman, Hoolahan and surprise package John Ruddy have lifted the canaries closer to a Champions League spot than the relegation zone. Yet both bosses would dare to talk about anything other than securing their Premier League status.
The boldness to adapt pioneering styles for promoted sides is to be cautiously applauded. To go against the trend is brave and yet borders insanity. Two British entities going toe to toe has attracted some unsavory comments in sporting circles this week, though when Swansea and Norwich come together they will not undermine their sport but rather exemplify everything great about the beautiful game.
Dale Moon
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