Swansea City Daily: Matos insists there's more to come
The latest news and views on the Swans in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.
Listen below or onBBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
This is a meeting of two of the in-form sides in the Championship on Tuesday (19:45 BST).
Swansea City head to the south coast at the top of the table and unbeaten from their opening five games while Southampton have not lost in their past four outings after an opening-day defeat by Watford.
Southampton have won six of their past seven meetings with Swansea City in all competitions (D1), and have not lost to the Swans since January 2017 in the Premier League (1-2).
Swansea have won just one of their past 16 league visits to Southampton (D4 L11), a 1-0 Premier League win in February 2015. The Swans have not scored in any of their past four league games at St Mary's.
Since Tonda Eckert's first home league game in charge (8 November 2025), Southampton have more home points in the Championship than any other side (44).
Swansea are hoping to win each of their first three away games of a league season for the very first time in their history.
Southampton have lost only one of their past nine Championship games against Welsh clubs (W6 D2), a 2-1 defeat by Cardiff in April 2024. At home, the Saints are unbeaten in 19 games against Welsh sides in the second tier (W14 D5) since a 5-3 loss to Cardiff in October 1962.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyA 10th minute Stoke City score on the opening day of the Championship is the only goal Swansea City have conceded this season
Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos has said his side must "take care" of their impressive defensive record as they aim to challenge for promotion.
Championship leaders Swansea have conceded just once across their first five games of the season, fewer than any other team in the English Football League (EFL).
A 0-0 draw against Wrexham means the Swans have managed four clean sheets in their first five league games for the first time since the 1978-79 season.
"It's good, but we know it can change quite quickly. We all know how the league is and how the results are," Matos said after Saturday's Welsh derby.
"That [defensive record] is something that we need to take care of, of course. It's important for us."
Speaking after a much-hyped but in the end somewhat lack-lustre affair at the Swansea.com Stadium, Matos says there is more to come from his side.
"We have said from the beginning that it is important to defend well to then be able to attack. That is the feeling that we want to have.
"Today was a massive game in terms of set-pieces. We knew they would be massive for Wrexham, and we didn't allow them that comfort in the game."
After Callum O'Hare had missed earlier on, Kieffer Moore nearly ended Swansea's clean-sheet run, but Lawrence Vigouroux denied the Wrexham forward.
Chile international Vigouroux has been gaining attention on social media for his distribution, but Matos also had praise for the keeper's shot-stopping ability.
"Clean sheets are massive. We all know that every player contributes to that, but Vigs is massive because he's a wonderful goalkeeper," Matos added.
"In a game when he didn't have a lot to do in the first-half, he made an unbelievable save in the second half. He is a goalie to do that."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyFormer Leyton Orient goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux joined Swansea in 2024 after failing to make an appearance during a one-year spell at Burnley
Saturday's draw against Wrexham also saw the return of club captain Ben Cabango, whose tackle on debutant O'Hare caught the ire of Phil Parkinson.
Matos is pleased to have the Welsh international back from injury, and believes Cabango will add to the healthy competition for places in his backline.
Cabango featured in all but one of Swansea's Championship games last season while centre-back partner Cam Burgess played every minute of the campaign.
The Australia international is expected to miss the rest of this season with an Achilles injury, but Matos is confident he can keep his other options fresh.
"We have healthy competition, and it's important to have depth in that position," the Portuguese coach explained.
"Last season we coped for the whole season with Ben and Cam. It was quite a hard task for them. Having the depth there, which allows them to be fresh, is massive.
"Now we have Welshy (Stephen Welsh), Ben, Jenson [Seelt] and Fil [Lissah], which is nice to have and important for the upcoming games."
Swansea return to Championship action when they face Southampton at St Mary's on Tuesday, 8 September (19:45 BST).
Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyThe game did not live up to the hype, but the result means both clubs maintain momentum.
Swansea City remain top of the early-season table and Wrexham have enjoyed a better week after their slow start to the new campaign.
Their meeting at the Swansea.com Stadium came with a pre-match turn from a male voice choir, a sell-out crowd and a sizzling atmosphere.
But the match itself never really found a spark.
Perhaps it was for the best that Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac were not in the commentary box for this one – as they were when the two Welsh clubs met last March – because they would not have had too much to talk about.
The biggest discussion point in the post-match press conferences – or Wrexham's, at least – was the 77th-minute Ben Cabango challenge on Callum O'Hare which led to a yellow card for the Swansea captain.
Phil Parkinson said Cabango should have been sent off, Vitor Matos declined to join the debate.
A sending off would have helped Wrexham's cause late on, of course, but this was one of those games which seemed destined to end goalless.
Swansea had plenty of the ball – as expected – but could not replicate the zip and accuracy in possession which had their fans purring after last Tuesday's win over Watford.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyWrexham had their moments, missing the night's clearest chance when debutant Callum O'Hare made space to shoot in the penalty area only to drag his shot wide.
Parkinson felt his side had looked the more menacing, with Max Cleworth unable to turn in Josh Windass' drive at the far post and Kieffer Moore denied by Swansea keeper Lawrence Vigouroux late on.
The home side's best chance fell to substitute Zan Vipotnik, who did well to reach Moussa Yeo's cross only for his sliding shot to go straight at Anthony Patterson.
For what it's worth, Swansea's xG was 0.73 compared to Wrexham's 0.64.
Ultimately, the stalemate was about right.
Swansea remain unbeaten - and have a fourth straight clean sheet on the board - as they prepare for what looks a demanding fixture at Southampton on Tuesday.
Wrexham return home to the Racecourse to face a struggling Burnley side in midweek having lifted the mood by taking four points – and registering two shutouts – from two demanding away trips in three days.
While each side would have wanted more from the Welsh derby, Swansea and Wrexham move on after what ultimately will be considered a decent result for both.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyClub captain Ben Cabango returned to Swansea City training on Thursday and could be in contention for Saturday's Welsh derby against Wrexham.
Cabango has missed this week's wins over Derby County and Watford with a heel injury.
But the centre-back may return to Vitor Matos' squad as they look to continue their impressive start to the new Championship season by overcoming Wrexham.
Swansea also expect 17-year-old Jeremy Monga to be available for the Red Dragons' visit to the Swansea.com Stadium, though they are still waiting on international clearance following the winger's loan move from Manchester City.
Swansea say that while international clearance is more complicated than usual because Monga is under 18, they are hopeful that all paperwork will be complete in time for the Wrexham game.
Fellow wide players Ronald and Zeidane Inoussa, meanwhile, are back at Swansea following the collapse of proposed deadline-day transfers.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencySwansea agreed to sell Ronald to Millwall only for the move to fall through over personal terms, while Inoussa was poised to join Portsmouth before that deal was abandoned.
Matos says Ronald and Inoussa now remain part of his squad, with a potential short-term vacancy about to open up given that Eom Jisung will join up with South Korea for the Asia Cup after next Tuesday's game at Southampton.
Eom, who has begun the season in fine form, is expected to miss Swansea's games against Burnley and Lincoln City later this month because of his international commitments.
"Jisung is playing really well, having an impact for the team, helping us a lot - I'm really happy with that," Matos said.
"When he's not here, it's up to me to find the best replacement. I'm really happy with all the ones we have. Ronald came on at Derby and scored and the effort and the commitment was there.
"So yeah, it's up to me to try to replace Jisung when he is not here."
Image source, SNSJoel Cotterill spent the second half of last season on loan at Dundee
St Johnstone have announced the signing of midfielder Joel Cotterill from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal running until the summer of 2027.
Cotterill, who came through the youth academy at Swansea, made his senior debut in 2022 and has gone on to have loan spells with Stockport County, Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers.
He spent the second half of last season on loan with fellow Premiership outfit Dundee where he made 11 Premiership appearances and scored one goal.
"I had a call with the gaffer on Monday and he told me everything about the club," Cotterill told club media.
"I watched the game against Dundee on Wednesday night – and I saw how the team wants to play.
"Growing up at Swansea, it was always a team with the ball. I feel my biggest strength is being in possession and making things happen. I also like to drive forward and like to think I can be powerful with the ball.
"I've had different challenges out on loan. I think I've adapted previously and I've already got a taste for playing in the Scottish Premiership.
"It can be demanding and the games come thick and fast, but I'll make sure I'm ready for it and up for the challenge."
Image source, Getty ImagesAndy Robinson says Swansea City set their standard in the first half of their 2-0 win against Watford.
The Swans are top of the Championship thanks to victories against Stoke City, Derby County and the Hornets plus a draw with Sheffield United.
Vitor Matos' side host Wrexham on Saturday, 5 September (20:00 BST) fresh from a comprehensive victory against Watford secured by goals by Eom Ji-sung and Adam Idah in a dominant first half.
And Robinson believes Matos must now demand the same level of performance from his players in the games to come.
"Standards have been set now," said former midfielder Robinson, who made 226 appearances and scored 54 goals for the Swans.
"We know what they can do with that first 45 minutes, so they have got to show consistency with energy, aggression and tenacity
"It was absolutely fantastic against Watford. It's three clean sheets on the bounce and goals in abundance, and [Zan] Vipotnik hasn't even scored yet.
"They have set a standard now and when Matos goes into the dressing room he can say 'I've seen you do it now, that is what you are capable of in that first 45 minutes'.
"Two goals, a clean sheet and Swansea are top of the league, so enjoy it."
The Swans now host a Wrexham side buoyed by an impressive 3-0 win at Millwall on Wednesday.
Robinson said: "Wrexham coming to town will only spur them on again. It could go from a good start to a fantastic start."
The Red Dragons are chasing a first win in south Wales since returning to the Football League after losses at Newport County in League Two in 2024 and Swansea in the Championship last season, then a draw at Cardiff City on opening weekend.
Image source, BBC SportSwansea City had a busy summer transfer window, signing 11 players, and are currently sitting pretty atop the Championship table on goal difference.
New addition Joseph Opoku has already found the back of the net twice, while fellow summer arrival Stephen Welsh has also earned rave reviews.
Manchester City youngster Jeremy Monga was the final piece in the puzzle for Vitor Matos at the end of a transfer window which saw Swansea sign three internationals.
New Zealand's World Cup hero Eli Just has joined from Motherwell. Canada's Stephen Eustaquio and Scotland's Ross Stewart are also through the door.
As are Malian winger Moussa Yeo, 21-year-old midfielder Tom Iorpenda and loanees Tiago Parente and Jenson Seelt.
With the transfer window now closed, we want to know whether you are pleased with Swansea's summer transfer business?
Have the club reinvested the money generated from Ethan Galbraith's move to Stoke correctly? How important is keeping Zan Vipotnik?
Can Swansea now compete for promotion following this summer of change? Which new addition excites you the most?
Let us know what you think by clicking here.
Assessing Swansea's transfer window
BBC Sport Wales' Simon Davies and Gareth Vincent assess a busy summer transfer window at Swansea City.
Swansea City Daily: Matos insists there's more to come. Audio, 2 minutes
News and views on the Swans in two minutes. Weekdays, 5pm.
Vitor Matos pleased with 'moments' of Wrexham draw. Audio, 5 minutes
Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos speaking to Chris Wathan after the draw with Wrexham.
Vigouroux: 'We want to show we are the best team in Wales' Audio, 8 minutes
Swansea City goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux talks to Gareth Vincent before facing Wrexham.
'Positive' Matos not getting carried away with league position. Audio, 6 minutes
Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos speaking with Gareth Vincent before facing Wrexham.
