Don Goodman has urged caution over Swansea City‘s fast start, saying the next month of fixtures will show whether Vitor Matos’ side are “the real deal”.
The Sky Sports pundit, speaking exclusively to Swansea Bay News, rates the Swans, but pointed to the calibre of the opposition they have beaten so far.
“With the exception of Southampton, who they lost to, they either haven’t played anybody many would have fancied before a ball was kicked, or it’s the likes of Burnley and Derby, teams that are out of sorts,” he said.
Goodman named the run that he believes will provide the answers.
“The next little run of games, Lincoln away, then Norwich, Millwall, West Ham and QPR, who have also started well, will show if they’re the real deal. After those five games I think we’ll have a much better understanding,” he said.
“Having got off to this good start, they’ll go into that run with massive confidence and self-belief.”
A warning in the numbers
The pundit, who noted Swansea sit among the division’s best for chances created and expected goals, flagged one trend in the other direction.
“They lost 3-1 to Southampton and beat Burnley 3-1, but between them those two created nine big chances according to OPTA, whereas in their first five games combined they had given up only five,” he said.
“That’s something to make note of. But by the same token, they’ve scored four goals in the last two games, so there’s a balance to be struck.”
Goodman said the attacking spread was the encouraging flip side.
“I look at the way they’re going about things this season and see more of an attacking thrust and less reliance on one individual to get the goals,” he said.
He reserved particular praise for Adam Idah, who has started the season well.
“This is a massive season for his career because he’s in his prime and yet to find consistency. Maybe this is the season he can do it,” he said.
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