-Credit:Getty
This was always going to be a tricky fixture for Swansea City boss Luke Williams to navigate.
On the one hand, the FA Cup is unlikely to be too high on the list of priorities for the Swans right now, particularly with a possible top-six challenge still on the cards and, of course, the small matter of a South Wales derby next weekend.
But with Southampton’s hopes for the season now unlikely to drift beyond looking to avoid the ignominy of failing to overtake Derby County’s record-low tally of 11 Premier League points (they currently have six at this halfway point of the season), there was a real and genuine feeling that this was an opportunity for the Swans to spring a shock.
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Whether the narrative-draining sacking of Russell Martin changed the psychological dynamic of this clash we’ll never know, but those expecting a high-octane, caution-to-the-wind, full-flowing classic cup tie were probably left disappointed.
Indeed, it was a mistake that allowed Kamaldeen Sulemana to give the hosts the lead with a smart lob on 20 minutes, before Tyler Dibling added a well-taken second 15 minutes later.
Dibling completed his brace after the hour, rounding off a miserable FA Cup outing for the Swans. who didn’t really lay a glove on their opponents, despite Joe Allen rattling the post late on.
That will clearly be a concern for Williams heading into a huge South Wales Derby next weekend.
Sports writer Tom Coleman selects his winners and losers from a disappointing evening for Swansea City.
Winners
Darling and Wycombe
The importance of getting a deal done for Joe Low has surely just gone up a notch after tonight, with Swansea’s lack of centre-back options exposed to full effect.
At the time of writing, Swansea are still working on a deal for the Wales international, and there’s clearly some hope that a deal can get done.
One has to wonder if Wycombe Wanderers were watching this contest. If they were, they might well be wondering if they can take advantage of Swansea’s apparent desperation for greater strength in depth. Andy Coleman certainly won’t feel like this performance has done much for his negotiation position.
The same goes for Harry Darling, who, in his absence, further emphasised his importance to this side. A deal remains on the table for him, but there’s little sign of an imminent resolution.
Some might wonder why Williams doesn’t dip into the under-21s for options, but clearly he feels there isn’t anyone capable of making the step up right now.
Josh Ginnelly
The sight of the winger coming off the bench just over 10 minutes from time was perhaps the one glimmer of optimism for the 600 hardy souls in the away end at St Mary’s.
The winger was included in a matchday squad for the very first time since he ruptured his Achilles some 15 months ago, and it’s clearly been a long and difficult road back to full fitness.
He actually showed some encouraging flashes during the latter stages of the game, and Williams will hope there will be plenty more to come over the coming weeks.
Cameron Congreve
Okay, he didn’t actually play for the Swans on Sunday, but it would be remiss not to point out that the Swansea youngster had a third round weekend to remember all the same.
The youngster is currently on loan at League Two Bromley this season, and started from the off as the Essex side took on Premier League giants Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
What’s more, he netted a brilliant opener for his side after just eight minutes, firing a fantastic low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Bromley would go on to lose 3-1, but it was a moment the 20-year-old will surely never forget, and will perhaps also offer up a timely reminder of his talent.
Losers
Jon McLaughlin
The decision to let goalkeeper Andy Fisher leave on loan will likely be under closer scrutiny following this contest.
Jon McLaughlin has had to bide his time as back-up to number one Lawrence Vigouroux this season, but has nevertheless received plenty of praise from his boss in recent weeks, and few would have really been surprised to see his name on the teamsheet ahead of this one.
His first touch of the ball after just a couple of minutes, however, arguably set the tone for what was a really difficult debut, with a proposed long pass charged down by Joe Aribo.
Making your debut at 37 was always going to be a little tricky, but this was a particularly shaky outing. Despite making some good saves, his distribution was poor for most of the night, which in fairness may well be down to a lack of game time.
Regardless, there was little here to suggest that Vigouroux’s status as first choice is under any sort of threat at this stage.
Swansea’s centre-backs
The makeshift centre-back pairing of Kyle Naughton and fellow veteran Cyrus Christie was always likely to be be a talking point.
With Ben Cabango out injured, and Darling failing a late fitness test, it was a selection made out of necessity more than anything else, but it clearly underlined the lack of depth at his disposal right now.
Unfortunately, both players, particularly in the face of the pace of Aribo, Dibling and Sulemana, frequently looked vulnerable at St Mary’s.
Naughton was out-jumped in the build-up to Southampton’s first, while neither defender really covered themselves in glory for the second, although admittedly questions might well also be asked of Josh Key and Josh Tymon.
Williams may well have to call upon at least one of them next weekend, but neither really forced their case on this occasion.
Swansea’s midfield
This was a frustratingly error-strewn performance in the middle of the park, and it torpedoed Swansea’s efforts at both ends of the pitch.
The visitors surrendered possession too easily at times, with Myles Peart-Harris, Florian Bianchini, and even the normally ever-dependable skipper Matt Grimes all guilty of failing to look after the ball at various points.
It resulted in a largely comfortable evening for the Saints.
To cap it off, Swansea’s press out of possession was frequently muddled and disjointed, and Southampton took full advantage on the day. Goncalo Franco showed glimpses of his usual energy, but the hosts were otherwise just far too comfortable.
What will alarm Williams, and indeed many supporters, ahead of the derby next weekend is that this midfield probably isn’t a million miles away from the one that will start against Cardiff City in the South Wales Derby.
Liam Cullen, one suspects would return, and to be frank none of the three supporting players behind Bianchini up front, could really complain if he took their place against the Bluebirds next weekend.
Player ratings
Swansea City: McLaughlin 4; Key 5, Christie 5 (Cullen 65′ 5), Naughton 5, Tymon 4; Grimes (c) 5 (Fulton 65′ 5), Franco 6 (Allen 65′ 5); Ronald 5 (Abdulai 79′ 6), Eom 6 (Ginnelly 79′ 6), Peart-Harris 5; Bianchini 4
Subs n/u: Vigouroux, Vipotnik, Tjoe-A-On, Lloyd