The Swans' match against Stoke was always going to be billed as little vs. large with the height differences between the two starting elevens over 2 foot 5 inches in favour of Stoke. Many thought that the towering presences of Crouch, Shawcross, Huth et al. would prove to be a major problem for a team like us who lack a big, physical presence but the critics were proved wrong.
The illusiveness and vision of Joe Allen, the pace of Dyer and Sinclair and the Mensa sized intelligence of the team as a whole were simply too much for a Stoke team who were coming off the back of a draw against the reigning champions, Manchester United.
After waiting only a mere eight minutes the brash, physical style of the Potters was demonstrated ineffectively after Wayne Routledge was taken down by Ryan Shawcross in the box. The penalty gave Scott Sinclair the opportunity to make it two from two from the penalty spot and he duly delivered.
Swansea looked comfortable and composed on the ball throughout the game, but the first goal definitely ensued further confidence in the play and brought the best out of the players. With this extra confidence the forward line had major intentions on scoring another. Dyer had an opportunity after a clever headed ball from Graham and Routledge provided an excellent cross which was centimetres away from Danny Graham's toe on the far post.
Stoke weren't completely down and out after conceding though. Jon Walters was in the right place at the right time when he saw Michel Vorm off his line, striking a lofted shot that would've been goal bound if it wasn't for Vorm's keen reflexes to tip the ball onto the bar and over.
Marc Wilson was replaced half way through the first half which saw Andy Wilkinson swap sides and get given the mean feat of defending against Nathan Dyer. Within 7 minutes of facing Dyer, the Stoke full back put Dyer on the receiving end of a waist high, scissored tackle that surely should've deserved a red card but only prompted the referee to show yellow.
It wasn't just Wilkinson who was getting into the Swans. Peter Crouch directed his studs high (I suppose it could've been low for someone of his height..) into the thigh of Mark Gower 5 minutes later. Not as bad a challenge as the one on Dyer but Stoke weren't doing themselves any favours to eradicate their stereotypical overly physical style of play.
The second half was a little more edgy for the Swans but the extra pressure was dealt with effectively. The introduction of former-Bluebird Cameron Jerome, who was cordially greeted with a swim away, especially added a further attacking intent to the opposition.
Stoke were, however, yet again lucky to keep all eleven on the pitch after a scuffle between Ashley Williams and Glenn Whelan. The mix-up initiated after Williams didn't release the ball straight away after they had earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Williams gave Whelan a little shunt but the Stoke midfielder reacted aggressively, knocking Williams back.
The scuffle could've easily resulted in both players getting booked, which would've gave Whelan his second yellow of the game but it was Whelan who almost had the last laugh. The subsequent free kick was sweetly struck around the right side of the wall, wrong footing Vorm, and smashing into the post.
Swansea were not totally under the cosh for the remainder of the game though. Asmir Begovic was called into action twice in quick succession. Scott Sinclair almost made it two after cutting in from the wing and firing a fierce, trademark shot which forced Begovic to make a fingertip save.
Danny Graham was next in line to take aim at the Stoke goal. He narrowly missed out on a chance via a fantastically well recovered cross by Nathan Dyer minutes before but the Swansea number 10 was put through on goal after getting the best of Jonathan Woodgate's lackadaisical attempt to recover the loose ball. Graham coolly knocked the ball over the approaching Begovic to notch his first, I'm sure of many, goals for the Swans.
The final five minutes of the game was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for our man between the sticks, Michel Vorm. Twice the Dutchman came out to retrieve or clear the ball without success, leaving the goal potentially open to be attacked. If it wasn't for Cameron Jerome's heavy touch to knock the ball past Vorm, our clean sheet record at home could've been squandered.
However the Dutch no. 2 showed the class we know he has by denying Jerome a clear chance on goal with a quick, instinctive snap save.
So, our second win in the Premier League and a new record set for the most consecutive clean sheets by a promoted side at the start of the season. Along with Graham finally breaking his duck and proving our capability against the more physical styles in the league, there was so many positives to take away from the game.
Joe Allen should no doubt deserve a place in the starting XI for Wales after a star performance in midfield. Reflecting the plaudits I lauded onto Allen last month (which can be found here), he is developing into a key player for the team.
Dyer and Sinclair yet again proved to be problematic for opposition defences and the pace of Routledge was an asset against a slower team like Stoke - something which will no doubt be called upon by Rodgers against similar teams.
With an international break awaiting, an important three games lie ahead - Norwich and Wolves away followed by struggling Bolton at home. Confidence is high with the team and I can see between 5 and 7 points being taken from those games but more on those games in the weeks to come.
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