By James Dow
Swansea City endured an afternoon of frustration as they were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City.
The Swans had 19 shots with five on target over 99 minutes, and although they will be happy with the amount they created, they will know their bluntness must be addressed if they are to make a dent on the play-off race.
Ronald had two fantastic opportunities to open his league account during the first half, and Ji-Sung Eom was inches away from getting his first goal in Swansea City colours when he hit the crossbar just before half-time,
Stoke also forced goalkeeper Victor Johansson into some big saves from Eric Bobcat and Tom Cannon in either half and were dangerous on the break.
The game became scrappy during the later stages, with both teams feeling the affects of a three-game week before the international break and Swansea had to hold off a late surge of set-pieces to share the spoils.
Swansea manager Luke Williams made three changes to his side after defeat to Sheffield United in midweek, with Josh Key, Zan Vipotnik and Goncarlo Franco all coming in.
Ronald’s first chance arrived within the first few minutes, the ball falling to the Brazilian forward’s feet following a poor clearance but his low strike was met brilliantly by Johansson to keep the scores level.
The Swans began on the front foot, with Ronald and Eom causing problems down both flanks, with the latter delivering a dangerous ball into the box which was cleared for a corner.
Stoke withheld early pressure and created their first opportunity just before the 30-minute mark when Bocat was played into the box, but Vigouroux made a good stop with his feet to keep the defender out.
Ronald once again had a clear-cut opportunity to open the scoring shortly after, taking the ball in his stride following an Eom cross, but dragging his shot wide of the post.
The Swans continued to test the Potters defence, with a good team move rounding off to Eom who had his effort well saved by Johansson.
The Swans started the second half just as brightly, nearly taking the lead within five minutes of the whistle with Johansson making another fantastic save to deny Vipotnik’s header.
Minutes later, Stoke striker Tom Cannon raced through on goal, but Vigouroux stood tall and made another great save with his feet to deny the forward.
The Swans started to tire during the closing stages of the match, with Stoke winning a flurry of corners but unable to trouble Vigouroux in goal.
A late chance fell to the Potters in added time, when Andre Vidigal’s effort from distance was easily held by Vigouroux.
The result lifts Swansea City to 11th in the Championship table who travel to Blackburn after the international break, where Stoke have dropped to 16th and they host Norwich City in two weeks’ time.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling, Matt Grimes, Zan Vipotnik(Liam Cullen 64’), Ji-sung Eom(Florian Bianchini 76’), Josh Tymon, Goncalo Franco, Ollie Cooper(Myles Peart-Harris 76’), Ronald(Azeem Abdulai 76’).
Unused substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Jay Fulton, Joe Allen, Kyle Naughton, Nelson Abbey.
Stoke City: Viktor Johansson, Michael Rose, Wouter Burger(Jordan Thompson 54’), Tom Cannon, Bae Jun-ho(Andre Vidigal 65’), Lewis Koumas(Million Manhoef 54’), Ben Wilmot, Eric Bocat, Sam Gallagher(Emre Tezgel 84’), Ben Gibson, Andy Moran.
Unused substitutes: Jack Bonham, Enda Stevens, Tatsuki Seko, Junior Tchamadeu, Ashley Phillips.