Swansea vs Derby Match Recap - Nov 25, 2025

Derby County Outlasts Swansea City in a Crucial Championship Clash

Derby County's resilience shines through as they secure a vital away win against struggling Swansea City, pushing their playoff ambitions forward.

Derby County's victory over Swansea City not only adds three points to their tally but also underscores their ability to capitalize on crucial moments. With this win, Derby climbs to 10th place in the Championship, now sitting at 23 points. The match showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing, particularly from Joe Ward and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen, who both found the net. This result is a stark contrast to Swansea's ongoing struggles, as they remain mired in the relegation zone with just 17 points.

Swansea's recent form has been dismal, with only one point from their last five matches. Their inability to convert possession into goals has been glaring, as evidenced by their 72% ball possession against Derby, yet they managed only one goal. This trend of dominating possession without tangible results has haunted them throughout the season. The Swans have now conceded 10 goals in their last five outings, highlighting defensive frailties that continue to plague their campaign.

Derby's approach was pragmatic; they absorbed pressure and struck effectively on the counter. Despite having only 28% possession, they managed to create more significant chances, reflected in their expected goals (xG) of 0.57 compared to Swansea's 0.31. This efficiency in attack is a hallmark of Derby's recent performances, where they have shown a knack for making the most of limited opportunities. The contrast between their clinical finishing and Swansea's wastefulness was evident throughout the match.

Carlton Morris, who has been a standout performer for Derby this season, continued his impressive form by contributing to the build-up play that led to both goals. His ability to draw defenders and create space for teammates has been pivotal in Derby's recent success. Morris's influence was felt even if he did not score, as he remains a constant threat that defenders must account for.

Swansea's Ethan Galbraith managed to score a late consolation goal, but it was too little too late. His performance, while a bright spot, cannot mask the broader issues facing the team. The Swans have struggled to find consistency in their attacking play, and Galbraith's goal came after a series of missed opportunities earlier in the match. This inconsistency has left them vulnerable and unable to build momentum.

The statistics reveal a stark disparity in efficiency between the two teams. Swansea led in total passes (441 to Derby's 170) and accurate passes (377 to 112), yet these numbers are misleading when considering the lack of penetration into Derby's defensive third. The Swans' pass accuracy of 85% is commendable but ultimately futile without effective movement off the ball and decisive finishing.

Defensively, Derby's backline held firm under pressure, with Matthew Clarke and Danny Batth providing crucial interceptions and blocks that stifled Swansea's attempts to break through. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure was instrumental in securing the win. In contrast, Swansea's defense appeared disorganized at times, particularly during set pieces and counter-attacks.

The match also highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams. Derby has shown resilience and adaptability under pressure, bouncing back from a recent loss to Watford with this victory. Their ability to grind out results is indicative of a team that is learning how to win in challenging circumstances. Conversely, Swansea's inability to convert possession into points raises questions about their tactical approach and mental fortitude.

Looking ahead, Swansea faces an uphill battle as they prepare for their next match against West Brom. They must find a way to translate their possession into goals if they hope to escape the relegation zone. The pressure is mounting on coach Alan Sheehan, who must address the team's defensive vulnerabilities while instilling confidence in his players.

Derby will look to build on this momentum as they head into their next fixture against Middlesbrough. With key players like Morris and Salvesen finding form, they have the potential to challenge for a playoff spot if they can maintain consistency in their performances.

This match serves as a critical juncture for both teams; for Derby, it reinforces their playoff ambitions, while for Swansea, it highlights the urgent need for change if they are to avoid relegation. The contrasting fortunes of these two clubs encapsulate the unpredictable nature of the Championship, where every point is vital and every match can shift the narrative dramatically.