Championship 2018/19: Reading vs Swansea City

Reading are yet to benefit from new manager bounce as their misery continued into the new year under Jose Gomes. In this tactical analysis, we’ll look in detail at how Swansea City were able to win emphatically at the Madejski Stadium and why the signs don’t look good for Reading.

On this New Year’s Day viewing, it’s not difficult to see why Reading have seen no improvement since December’s sacking of former Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement. After the heavy 4-1 defeat that saw Swansea do the damage in the first 45 minutes, scoring three goals without reply, Reading boss Gomes admitted that his players were “scared”.

The Royals lack of confidence was there for all to see as they were already stunned within 90 seconds. Oli McBurnie got between two defenders before brilliantly heading home Kyle Naughton’s cross from the right flank.

Swansea City desperately needed to re-establish themselves after a disappointing run of results and performances over the festive period. McBurnie’s opener within the opening two minutes was the perfect response.

The early goal meant that both sides had polar opposite confidence. You could only see things getting worse for Reading, although the Swans took another 28 minutes to extend their lead. Defenders Connor Roberts and Mike van der Hoorn both found the net before the break.

Potter gets his team selection right

Swansea City manager Graham Potter was heavily criticised for his bizarre 3-5-2 formation and line-up choices against Wigan Athletic. Both effectively gave his side an early two-goal deficit. They came back to rescue a point after Potter fixed his own errors at half time. The former Ostersunds boss saw the error of his ways and reverted back to this seasons preferred 4-2-3-1 system.

Reading also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Meite leading the line ahead of Aluko just behind.

Celina and McBurnie’s attacking partnership

Swansea City benefited from Bersant Celina playing in closer proximity to striker Oli McBurnie. The Kosovan did however drift wide on occasion to ensure balanced width on both sides of the pitch.