Story so farโฆCompared to last season, Swansea have had a dismal time of it. Europa League play, clinched after beating Bradford City to lift last yearโs League Cup, took its toll, amongst a host of other contributing factors. In February, the club sacked Michael Laudrup, for reasons that remain unclear. Michu, scorer of 18 league goals last season, was injured for much of the season (and looked a shadow of his former self upon his return).
Safety only came on April 26, after a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa. Thatโs unusual for the side, who finished 11th in their first season back in the Premier League, and ended last season in 9th. Currently they sit 13th, which is actuallyย belowย where the Swans were when Laudrup was fired. In the 13 games since his appointment, Garry Monk has led his side to four wins, three draws and six losses, whereas his predecessor had six wins, six draws and twelve losses in 24 games.
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Whatโs slightly worrying is where the wins have come from: beating all-but-relegated Norwich and now-relegated Cardiff isnโt boastworthy, nor is collecting three points from a Newcastle side in horrible form since the midway mark. A smashing performance against Villa and a 2-2 draw against Arsenal might prove to be good omens, as was holding Napoli to a draw in Europa League. The performance of Wilfried Bony, who has an impressive 27 goals in all competitions in his first season at Swansea, should also give fans hope.
Who do they play and where can I watch it?
The Swans end the season with a trip to the Stadium of Light โ but fortunately for the visitors, Sunderland are already safe. But after their incredible run to end the season, the Black Cats arenโt going to want to go out with a loss at home. If Swansea want to end their season on a high, theyโre going to have to put plenty of effort into defeating the hosts.
Want to get your last fix of the Swans before the 2014-2015 season kicks off?ย ย Watch the game at 10am ET on Esquireย or live online via NBC Sports Live Extra.
Form guide:
March 29 vs. Norwich City, W 3-0
April 5 at Hull City, L 0-1
April 13 vs. Chelsea, L 0-1
April 19 at Newcastle, W 1-2
April 26 vs. Aston Villa, W 4-1
May 3 vs. Southampton, L 0-1
Whatโs at stake?
12th place? Bony passing the likes of Olivier Giroud, Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and/or Wayne Rooney in the goals scored tally? โOwn goalโ coming in second on Swanseaโs top-scorer sheet? In other words, not a lot. But perhaps Monk will be willing to give a glimpse of what the future holds.
When the final whistle blowsโฆitโs time to see what Garry Monk can do with a full season at the helm.ย The former interim boss has been handed a three-year contract, which isnโt all that surprising given that the 35-year-old former club captain has been being groomed for the managerial role. Itโs worth noting, however, that Monkโs being thrown into the deep end. Heโs yet to finish his coaching badges, heโs never managed in the lower levels, heโs never even assisted at a club. Come next season, will it be sink, swim or soar for the Swans?
