On May 15, 2016, Swansea City faced Manchester City in the final match of the Premier League season at the Liberty Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that secured Manchester City’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Swansea City: 1 (André Ayew 45+1′)
- Manchester City: 1 (Kelechi Iheanacho 5′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City dominated possession with 63%, while Swansea City had 37%. City’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo, but they were unable to convert their dominance into more goals.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 14 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their efforts to break down Swansea’s defense. Swansea City had 6 shots, with 2 on target, showing their resilience and ability to take advantage of limited opportunities.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 88%, completing 588 passes out of 670 attempts. Swansea City had a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 239 passes out of 319 attempts. City’s superior passing helped them control the game, but they struggled to break down Swansea’s organized defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Swansea City made 18 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 10, highlighting their determination to disrupt City’s play and protect their goal. Swansea’s defense, led by Ashley Williams, was disciplined and well-organized, limiting City’s clear chances.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester City’s goal came early in the match, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring from close range after a scramble in the box following a blocked shot by Sergio Agüero. Swansea City’s equalizer came from a deflected free-kick by André Ayew just before halftime, which wrong-footed Joe Hart.
- Individual Performances:
- Kelechi Iheanacho was a key player for Manchester City, scoring the opening goal and being a constant threat in the final third. For Swansea City, André Ayew’s equalizer was crucial, and Ashley Williams played a significant role in keeping City’s attackers at bay.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester City employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under Manuel Pellegrini, focusing on controlling possession and using the creativity of their midfielders to unlock Swansea’s defense. Swansea City used a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively and counter-attack when possible. Swansea’s tactical discipline and resilience earned them a valuable point.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Swansea City (Leroy Fer 34′, Leon Britton 72′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at stopping Manchester City’s attacking moves.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 7 corners compared to Swansea’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure, particularly in the second half. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating attempts to push the defensive line and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
The 1-1 draw between Swansea City and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium was a match of significant importance, particularly for Manchester City, as the result secured their qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Kelechi Iheanacho’s early goal gave City the lead, but they were unable to build on it despite dominating possession and creating several chances.
Swansea City, under pressure for much of the match, defended resolutely and were rewarded with an equalizer just before halftime through André Ayew’s deflected free-kick. The draw was a credit to Swansea’s organization and resilience, as they held off City’s attacks and secured a point.
For Manchester City, the match marked the end of Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure as manager, with Pep Guardiola set to take over for the following season. The result ensured City finished fourth in the Premier League, securing their place in the Champions League qualifying rounds. The game is remembered as a tense and crucial final day fixture, with City achieving their minimum objective despite a frustrating afternoon.
