EFL Championship 2018/19: Swansea City vs Birmingham City

Swansea City’s outside chances of a play-off place took a blow on Tuesday evening as they needed a late 94^th minute injury time equaliser. It did, however, maintain their unbeaten start to 2019 against 10-man Birmingham City.

In our tactical analysis of this Championship clash, we’ll take a look at the key tactical battles and how Birminghams long-ball style proved to be problematic for the more stylish Swans. It was a significant contract in styles. Garry Monk’s Blues were happy to sit back in their own half and limit the gaps through the channels, relying on quick counters and long balls from the goalkeeper to create attacking opportunities.

Swansea City, meanwhile, have been devastating at times since the turn of the year with their quick transitions and good vertical passing. Birmingham City were keen to prevent the hosts from playing to these strengths.

The teams

Graham Potter switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 after its success in the Championship clash against Sheffield United and FA Cup against Gillingham. Matt Grimes played as a deep-lying midfielder, slotting in between the two centre-backs to start play from deep with Fer and Celina ahead of him.

Former Swansea City manager and Blues boss Garry Monk adopted a standard 4-4-2, sitting back in a deep block and looking to play long-balls to their front two.

Swans too predictable, Birmingham block the right side

Swansea City were able to dominate large periods of the game due to Birmingham’s willingness to sit deep. However, the home side were far too predictable in their build-up play early on, overly relying on the right-hand side of the pitch to progress forward. Birmingham always ensured that they had players well positioned to block the vertical passes from former Ajax defender Mike van der Hoorn.

With no success from low forward passes down the wide right channel, Van der Hoorn was soon forced to lift his passes for the likes of Nathan Dyer to chase in behind.