Swansea City’s outside chances of a play-off place took a blow on Tuesday evening as they needed a late 94th minute injury time equaliser. It did, however, maintain their unbeaten start to 2019 against 10-man Birmingham City.
In our tactical analysis of this Championship clash, we’ll take a look at the key tactical battles and how Birmingham’s long-ball style proved to be problematic for the more stylish Swans. It was a significant contract in styles. Garry Monk’s Blues were happy to sit back in their own half and limit the gaps through the channels, relying on quick counters and long balls from the goalkeeper to create attacking opportunities.
Swansea City, meanwhile, have been devastating at times since the turn of the year with their quick transitions and good vertical passing. Birmingham City were keen to prevent the hosts from playing to these strengths.
The teams
Graham Potter switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 after its success in the Championship clash against Sheffield United and FA Cup against Gillingham. Matt Grimes played as a deep-lying midfielder, slotting in between the two centre-backs to start play from deep with Fer and Celina ahead of him.
To read the rest of the analysis, click here.
