Zan Vipotnik continued his strong scoring run over the weekend for Swansea City. He scored his sixth goal in seven games (a club record by the way) in a 1-1 home draw versus Millwall on the 14th of February. The Slovenian striker’s fourth minute strike was a catalyst for a dominant display. Though they truly controlled the entire match, Swansea did not deserve to win.
That would be the first big highlight of the game as Swansea went up 1-0 early on when Samuel Vipotnik scored in the 12th minute. The striker capped it off with a brilliant, automatic stroke. He then coolly finished from close range after Josh Tymon had fizzed in a low cross. Swansea capitalized on perhaps the best opportunity they would get all match with an early goal. They were looking to make sure that their undefeated home record was maintained this year.
Millwall quickly regrouped after conceding. Josh Coburn equalised right on half-time, making it 1-1. This excellent strike meant that both sides headed into the interval level 1-1. The second period was crucially matched with chances for both teams, with neither team able to score the match-winning goal.
Late Drama and Disallowed Goal
As the game went on, Vipotnik came so close to getting a second in the 69th minute. He looked to have scored a second when he backheeled the ball into the net past Millwall keeper Steven Benda, only for the goal to be ruled out. That was the referee’s interpretation of a rule. He decided that Adam Idah was guilty of interference by kicking the ball out of Benda’s hands before it got to Vipotnik.
Swansea’s frustration grew in the second half as they believed they should have been awarded a penalty shortly after Vipotnik’s disallowed goal. Swansea’s manager Alan Sheehan condemned the refereeing performance.
“It was a stonewall penalty – I don’t know what else to say.” – Alan Sheehan
Even in disappointment, Vipotnik remained a persistent menace. Just three minutes from the end, he drew another save from Benda, summing up his destructive effect on the game.
A Battle of Unbeaten Teams
Both squads came into this meeting with 5-0 records. Swansea extended their impressive home record this season. Swansea enjoyed an unbeaten run of their own in away league matches. This mid-table clash had just two points separating the teams going into kick-off, highlighting the tightness of their battle for supremacy.
Millwall’s newly appointed manager, Alex Neil, commended his team on their ability to weather the storm. They displayed incredible resolve by riding out the early onslaught from Swansea. His side recovered well from an early goal against the run of play, and he praised their response in equalizing.
“That’s a good end to a pretty good week for us and it was nice to see Josh getting a goal.” – Alex Neil
The draw was Swansea’s second home point in a row, which has them scouting more consistency heading into the late-season stretch.
Key Moments and Tactical Highlights
Indeed, tactical changes from both sides were critical to the ensuing swing of momentum. Malick Yalcouye’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch proved crucial for Millwall’s equalizer. Jake Cooper produced one of the best headers across goal you could ever wish to see, that set up Coburn’s dramatic equalizing effort.
Swansea’s defensive line, though fairly reliable through the entirety of the match, was exposed to certain chances that opened the door for Millwall to benefit. Ben Cabango had a heart in throat moment when he was turned inside out by Josh Tymon. Instead of simply clearing the ball, he scooped it up and over the bar.
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