Luke Williams had tongue firmly planted in cheek when he compared Ben Cabango’s challenge against Norwich City to Bobby Moore’s famous tackle on Brazil’s Jairzinho at the 1970 World Cup.
But you understood the point.
Swansea City held on to claim a second league victory of the season on Saturday thanks to the sort of last-ditch defending which prompts roars among fans.
The desire to deliver three points was stamped all over Swansea’s performance this weekend.
For long spells Swansea kept Norwich at arm’s length, but Williams’ players were on the ropes in the final stages as the Canaries pushed hard for an equaliser.
Despite some intense pressure, Swansea did not crumble.
“What was incredible was some of the recovery runs from forward players, some of the defending, putting bodies on line, Ben Cabango’s impression of Bobby Moore,” Williams said.
“Let’s be honest, it’s great when we see the team play forward with some creativity and try to score a goal, but you can’t get away from how great it is to see players tearing back and making tackles and putting bodies on the line.”
Cabango’s intervention, when he slid to deny Borja Sainz as the Spaniard was clean through, typified Swansea’s formidable defensive effort.
While the Welsh side’s start to the season has been something of a mixed bag, victory over Norwich – a club who tend to contend in the Championship – was their most notable result yet.
Swansea’s success was by no means all about their defence. They played some lovely football in spells, with a host of players showing their qualities in possession.
But a second league clean sheet of the campaign was key, and it is worth noting that Williams’ team are yet concede more than one goal in any game this season.
Swansea have been too porous, too often in recent years.
And for all the focus on the club’s philosophy when in possession, there is a need to improve defensively if they are to enjoy a more positive season.
On that front, Williams’ team have made an encouraging start.
