A moment of controversy surrounded the opening goal, as Kelechi Iheanacho scored after Sergio Aguero’s shot cannoned back to him, then the teenager tapped the ball home.
Referee Mike Dean first gave the goal, then ruled it out for offside, then gave the goal once again. The striker was clearly onside so the right decision was eventually made.
Swansea’s opening goal came just before the half time whistle, Andre Ayew struck a free kick from 25 yards, which was deflected off Fernando and wrong footed Joe Hart.
Britton’s final game?
There hasn’t been any indication so far that Leon Britton will move on this summer, but it’s a possibility. He was strongly linked with a move to the MLS last summer, and with continuing injury worries a change of scenery could well happen. It was fitting that for what could be possibly his last Swansea appearance, he wore the captain’s armband. He has been such a loyal servant to the club, hopefully he stays for at least another season.
Kingsley a bright spark in a shoddy defence
Swansea’s defending today was below-average at best. Angel Rangel, Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat did themselves no favours but Stephen Kingsley was actually one of the side’s better performers. It’s been a long time since a Swansea left-back was actually a threat going forward, and the young Scot seemed to be the only player interested in marking a Manchester City player.
Should Swansea sign Fer permanently?
Leroy Fer’s problem has been consistency. There’s no doubt he’s played exceptionally well at times in a Swansea shirt, but there have also been times where you wonder if he is Premier League quality. Today wasn’t his greatest game, but to come in for six months and influence a side is impressive. There have been enough flashes in the pan so far that provided he is available for a fairly low fee, Swansea should gamble and sign Fer on a permanent deal.
Promising debut from Nordfeldt
Stepping in for the rested Lukasz Fabianski and making his first ever Premier League appearance, the Swede performed quite well. There was very little he could have done for the opening goal, and even saved Aguero’s shot but unfortunately the rebound fell to Iheanacho. He then made a good save after 25 minutes, saving with his feet from close range when Aguero looked inevitable to score. He remained calm on the ball and all-in-all looks like a decent backup option for Swansea.
Could Bony return?
It speaks volumes about his Manchester City career that in one of their biggest games of the season, a 19-year old is preferred in the starting eleven over Wilfried Bony. There have been rumours that Bony’s time at the club is up and a return to the Liberty Stadium could be on the cards and judging from this season, he won’t cost Swansea too much.