da blaze casino： It’s fair to say that Bob Bradley has been handed something of a baptism of fire in his first game in charge as Swansea manager.
da aposte e ganhe： When the American accepted the offer, he was probably hoping his reign would begin against somebody other than the most in-form side in the league. Arsenal are the only side who have managed to win all of their last five games and have confirmed themselves as title contenders.
In stark contrast, Swansea have failed to win since the opening day of the season and gained only one point from their last six games under Francesco Guidolin, staying out of the relegation zone on goal-difference alone. The Swans have often looked bereft of confidence and ideas this eason but did at least muster some fighting spirit in losses to Manchester City and Liverpool.
That underdog siege mentality may be channelled by Bradley as he looks to inspire an unlikely victory – or at least a positive result – against the Gunners.
The American will also hope to make the most of the ‘new manager syndrome’ that takes hold of a club when the players new eager to impress the boss. Stranger things have happened than a side down on their luck shocking one of the big guns and the Welsh outfit also have statistics on their side.
Swansea have a superb record at the Emirates, winning three of their last four games and managing a draw in the other one.
In fact, in the last six games between the sides, Swansea boast the better record with a 50% win percentage as opposed to Arsenal’s 33%. The Swans have become something of a bogey team for Arsene Wenger of late, infusing their usual passing play with a defensive steel they don’t always show on the road.
One potential problem is that the side that seems so comfortable playing against Arsenal had its heart ripped out when captain Ashley Williams moved the Everton for £12m in the summer.
Williams – who also captained Wales at Euro 2016 – was always one to lead by example and seemed to excel when under pressure, often acting as a one-man wall against barrages of enemy attacks.
Without the 32-year-old in the defensive ranks, it is difficult to see who will rally the troops when Arsenal begin to turn the screw with Federico Fernandez, Mike Van Der Hoorn not as defensively solid and Leon Britton not a captain in the same mould as Williams.
With or without the Welshman, Bradley will be intent on preserving Swansea’s Emirates record and will take encouragement in any form in which it comes.
Some Swansea fans will be happy to give the side of a period of grace as they adjust to a new style of play and not expect anything against the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Not their manager though. Bradley will want to get his Swansea career off to a winning start to kick his team into gear at the earliest opportunity.
And he will see the Emirates as the perfect place to start – baptism of fire or not.