Improvements in the wide areas topped Swansea City supporters’ target list as the club entered the transfer window at the conclusion of Vitor Matos’ first season.
Championship golden boot winner Zan Vipotnik accounted for 40% of Swansea’s 57 goals last season, with only six strikes coming from wingers.
It was no surprise, then, that their second bit of summer business was to sign winger Moussa Yeo, before also striking a deal for Joseph Opoku.
New Zealand international Eli Just is also capable of playing out wide, and on the evidence of the first three Championship games, the additions have paid dividends.
All three goals in Swansea’s 3-0 win at Derby were scored by wingers; Opoku got his second of the campaign before Eom Ji-sung and Ronald got in on the act.
It means Swansea’s wingers have already scored four goals this season, and are on track to surpass their numbers from last season with many games to go.
Left-winger Eom was one of the three changes to the lineup at Derby, and responded by delivering his best performance in a Swansea shirt.
The Korean international burst forward unchallenged to set up Opoku within 90 seconds before netting his first goal since April just before the break.
Former Swansea winger Andy Robinson believes Eom’s improved performance was a reaction to the battle for a starting berth out wide.
“He’s got it, but it’s just about consistency. Swansea have spent that Ethan Galbraith money really well,” Robinson told BBC Radio Wales.
“They have strengthened in the wide areas and added competition for places. We are seeing the benefit of that now.”