Russell Martin | We need to show aggression and conviction

Russell Martin wants Swansea City to show the required aggression and conviction at both ends of the field when they host Watford this evening (7.45pm).

The Swans host the Hornets in their final game of 2022 looking to end the year on a high after a frustrating recent run.

Swansea entered this round of fixtures still just three points off the play-off places in a congested division, but knowing they could so easily have considerably more points on the board.

Head coach Martin has been clear that his side cannot afford to keep conceding first in games and giving themselves a mountain to climb in order to get a positive result.

And he knows his side must produce that aggression in the right moments in order to make the most of their good play between the penalty areas.

“We have been really aggressive with the ball in the build-up, but then not had that same aggression or conviction in the box,” said Martin.

“We press aggressively, one of the reasons we dominate possession if because we are aggressive in trying to get it back quickly, but we are not as aggressive in the action that really matters.

“I don’t want to keep going on about it, but we know we cannot keep doing what we have been.

“As I’ve said before, there is a balance there because in possession we do need that calmness and composure.

“But we have to have that ruthless edge, that aggression to make sure our actions count at either end of the pitch.

“That’s the challenge for us as a coaching staff, to find the solutions along with the players.”