Is there a football fan alive that doesn’t want to see Swansea win the League Cup? Apart from Cardiff City fans obviously and maybe Chelsea fans. After dumping Liverpool out of the cup Swansea faced the European Champions in the semi-final. The Welsh team soaked up considerable pressure from Chelsea but put away chances when they came and punished the west London side eventually beating them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, the first time Swansea have won there for eighty-eight years. Meaning that the Southwalean side will take a healthy advantage heading into the second leg at the Liberty Stadium.
The discipline, resilience and, ultimately, the style on display in Swansea’s performance isn’t surprising given what has been seen of them since they became a Premier League team. However it is a surprise if you think that only six seasons ago Swansea were in League One and a few seasons before that were sat at the very bottom of the bottom tier of league football It really has been a fantastic rise.
The tie is far from over though and only a fool would rule Chelsea out. But I for one would be over the moon to see Swansea progress. The last three times there has been a new manager the way the team plays has continued to gradually evolve. This to me shows that there is continuity in the thinking from the club as a whole. They don’t panic, they stick to their guns and I really hope they can reap the rewards.
Peter Stickney