Following two difficult away games, Swansea have signing-of-the-season Michel Vorm to thank for the single point the Swans scraped up on their travels.

First up was the game against Newcastle, a match which saw both Dutch understudy goalkeepers face each other in what might have been some kind of epic duel. It was not to be, however, the Swans registering a paltry three shots on goal all game; none on target.

At the other end, Vorm was provided ample opportunity to show his class, but even he might have struggled had the Toon managed to direct more than three of their substantially more numerous 22 shots on target.

A clean sheet away from home and a point earned is a remarkable result for a frankly poor 90 minutes work, the first 45 in particular. Given the way the team played away at Arsenal, coming home defeated on the balance of a freak goal after more than deserving a point, you could argue that it is games like this which even things up, although such karmic musings won't be of any solace should the team find themselves in the drop zone in a few months time.

On then to Everton. On the subject of evening things up, it is highly ironic that despite performing far better versus the Toffees, the Swans were only rewarded with a loss to yet another conceded set piece goal. Of course, "performing far better" is a relative term when you consider that Swansea still only managed five shots on goal, though they did get one of them on target this time.

If all this sounds negative so far, it is only because based on recent performances, I wonder if the cracks are starting to show. Swansea have only a small squad, and currently find themselves in the middle of a punishing run of four games in 12 days. Setting up shop to play for goal-less draws against stronger teams away from home is a sensible, textbook tactic; but, as the game against Everton proved, when you set up like that there is seldom ever a way back from conceding.

Swansea are a team well suited to protecting a lead, but ill suited to chasing a game and seemingly ill-equipped to secure the lead they play to protect in the first place. Against Everton, there were signs of improvement; quicker tempo, slightly more purpose and drive, but still not nearly enough.

There is an aching need for someone or something in the middle of the park; both a playmaker to knit together the loose pieces in attack (lone forward, isolated wingers) and a 90 minute man, a tireless engine to run box to box. Just one of these types of players would make a big difference. Dobbie played the playmaker role so well at the end of last season, but since a poor first outing against Manchester City has hardly seen any action, and what opportunities he has been given he has squandered by belting hollywood shots over the bar from 30 yards out, with little sign of the guile and savvy we saw so much of last term.

The Swans home record is still incredible at least, but as much as this gives Swansea some strength, everyone knows that without some away points, it might not be enough. With the January transfer window fast approaching, Swansea have a real opportunity to address some team needs. With a limited budget, Rodgers will have to do his homework to make sure he gets it right. This compact Christmas schedule is going to take it's toll on the Swans small squad, and the first few games of the new year might decide their season.

Over two games:

Positives : More pace versus Everton. Clean sheet versus Newcastle. Getting a point. Getting away with it versus Newcastle. Michel Vorm.

Negatives : Another set-piece goal conceded. Awful first half versus Newcastle. Less attacking threat than the Sally Army.