Leaving the Liberty on Saturday I couldn't help but feel an immense sense of pride in the City, football team and fans. Which sadly, is more than I can say for the minority of West Brom fans who decided to spoil a poignant minute's silence with an idiotic chant. With my benefit-of-doubt hat on, I do think the clowns in question were coming up the stairs onto the concourse, but how they didn't sense they were entering a silenced arena is beyond me. And it's not as if it wasn't heavily publicised that it was happening. I tried to forgive them for this, until the moment they decided to cheer and chant when Neil Taylor was face down on the turf, clearly unconscious. I'm unsure as to where exactly the official 'line' is for football fans (is there one?!) but this definitely crossed it. As did the pillock Odemwinge who decided to wind the Swans fans up, still while Taylor - whom he just clattered - is unconscious in the penalty area. If I am honest, I don't mind players having banter with the crowd. At the end of the day, they take a hell of a lot of abuse, so giving a little back can be expected. But taunting the crowd when there is an opponent on the floor, who's clearly very badly injured, is disgusting and should be sanctioned. Peter Odemwinge, hang your head in shame, you buffoon.
Back to the game now where it must be said that we tore West Brom a preverbal new bum hole. Even though I expected a Swansea win and did in fact predict we'd score 3 or more goals, I expected more from a team managed by Roy Hodgson. I spent a fair amount of time working at Craven Cottage while he was there a couple of years ago and he usually plays with an organised side who actually play some nice football. I saw none of this. I know they were missing two key figures in Tamas and Brunt but they pose any trouble throughout the match. The only time they seemed to have opportunities were when we made mistakes and gifted them the ball.
Swansea on the other hand were a class above. Confident on the ball, precision passing, strong in tackles and most importantly clinical in front of goal! Leroy Lita looked sharp playing the lone striker role (even if he does possess quite possible the worst touch I have ever seen - hang on, not as bad as Rory Fallon) and never gave up. Most importantly, he now challenges Ashley Williams for the biggest guns at the club after his shirtless celebration. Please Leroy, we are aiming for a place in Europe via the Fair Play League, so no more celebrations like that. You can arm-wrestle Ash if you want, but please, keep your shirt on. Thank you.
Leon Britton, take a bow son. Impeccable performance where I don't think you put on foot wrong. Mark Gower, you impressed me lad. After that FA Cup tie against Fulham two seasons ago I wrote you off. I sit here happily eating humble pie after you've shown me that you can cut it at the highest level. No, they weren't Man United or Chelsea, but you cut the mustard son. Is that even a saying?
This blog post may be descending into a state of madness now as unfortunately I have been forced from my comfortable table-seat on a train to being at the centre of what can only be described as a fat-man sandwich on the back seat of a damp, musty smelling coach. I'm sure First Great Western apologise for the inconvenience, but not half as much as they should be apologising for my decent into a sandwich filling.
However, I'm still feeling somewhat jubilant knowing that Swansea City are out of the relegation zone. Happy days. And West Brom remain rooted to the bottom of the league. Shame.
Final word goes to Brendan Rogers. Brendan, you're the man!
See you all at Chelsea Jacks and Jackesses, where we will keep the dream alive! Not too far for me to travel, 5 stops on the district line. Lovely jubbly.
Jack
Prediction: Chelsea 3 - 1 Swansea
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