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A player that the Swans had previously attempted to sign with Russell Martin set them back. Swansea City vs Rotherham United Football
Rotherham United’s 1-1 tie with Russell Martin’s team extended Swansea City’s dismal streak as Chiedozie Ogbene, a former transfer target of Swansea City, scored.
In the Swansea.com Stadium, the home team had the advantage in the first half and took the lead just before halftime on Joel Piroe’s 13th goal of the year.
At the break, though, Matt Taylor’s team looked more dangerous, as Ogbene broke an 11-game goalless streak to guarantee that the points were split.
Only one player from the starting lineup for the 3-1 loss to Stoke City the previous time out was changed by Russell Martin: Joel Latibeaudiere replaced Harry Darling to the bench.
Swansea City vs Rotherham United Football Match Highlights 27 Feb 2023
After Matt Grimes was stripped of the ball in front of the dugout, Rotherham broke, but Ogbene’s looping shot deflected against the outside of Andy Fisher’s post, giving the hosts a significant scare with just 49 seconds remaining.
After that tense start, Martin’s team found their footing and produced a significant opportunity of their own. Ryan Manning outran two defenders and found Ollie Cooper in space, but the Welshman drove straight at Viktor Johansson.
Manning then came dangerously close to scoring when he attempted to isolate the Millers from a free-kick, but Johansson stretched out to divert the Irishman’s goal-bound attempt.
After those efforts, the game stalled, and the Swans changed their formation, with Latibeaudiere moving into a back three to make room for Matty Sorinola and Manning to play wing-back.
It made a big difference because the home team had a strong first half. When Swansea built from the back, Joe Allen and Piroe combined, with the latter sending Morgan Whittaker through on goal. However, the youngster’s strike took enough of a deflection off Johansson to give Rotherham time to clear. Martin’s team shown remarkable patience throughout this period.
Three minutes before halftime, the Swans’ improvement was rewarded when Allen blasted well over after Rotherham failed to completely clear a corner.
Before Allen played the ball wide to Manning, who drilled a pass infield that Piroe expertly controlled, Grimes and Allen did well to open up space in the middle of the park. To the relief of the Swansea supporters and the coaching staff, the Dutchman made the most of the room around him by drilling into the bottom corner.
The Swans are well aware of their recent sloppiness after restarts. Yet immediately after the intermission, they were once more harshly penalised for more appalling defending.
Ogbene was in the six-yard box when Shane Ferguson’s cross was intercepted by him. He instantly rose to his feet and prodded the ball past Fisher.
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Martin replied by substituting Olivier Ntcham and Jay Fulton for Manning and Allen, which effectively demoralised the home crowd and served as a stark reminder of how dangerous the Republic of Ireland international may have been at Swansea.
Fisher delivere a long ball upfield for Whittaker to chase. The attacker fell down under a challenge from Bailey Wright. But referee Gavin Ward let play on. At that point, Martin was demanding a red card and a free kick.
Swansea were at a loss for words as Rotherham persisted in their belief that they could depart south Wales. With a victory that would undoubtedly help their fight against being drop back into League One.
Piroe was only able to head wide from close range after Ntcham demonstrate. Amazing perseverance in keeping the ball alive.
Ogbene persisted in being a nuisance, and his quick surge up the field allowed him to find substitute Conor Washington. Whose shot Ben Cabango expertly blocked.
On the ensuing corner, Georgie Kelly, who had just enter the game as a substitute. Hammered a close-range shot straight at Fisher, giving Swansea yet another terrifying scare.
With one minute remaining in regulation, Liam Cullen took over for Grimes. But neither team was able to score in extra time. Prolonging Swansea’s disappointing run ahead of Saturday’s challenging match at Luton Town.
