In a tightly contested Championship fixture on the 31st of August 2024, West Bromwich Albion narrowly edged out Swansea City with a 1-0 victory. The match-winning moment came early when West Brom scored in the 46th minute of the first half, a critical juncture setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. Despite this early setback, Swansea exhibited a resilient defensive unit but ultimately couldn't equalize.

Statistically, Swansea City marginally led in corner kicks with seven compared to West Brom’s six, indicating their considerable offensive push throughout the game. However, the inability to convert these set-piece opportunities into goals highlights a possible deficiency in their finishing or set-piece execution. Conversely, West Brom’s capability to manage six corner kicks is a testament to their robustness in counter-attacks and utility in forcing defensive errors.

Discipline was a significant differentiator in this matchup, with West Brom accumulating four yellow cards compared to Swansea's singular infraction. Swansea’s more disciplined approach might suggest better tactical fouling decisions, yet the increased number of fouls (13) potentially revealed their aggressive attempts to disrupt West Brom's rhythm. West Brom's eight fouls indicate a more controlled defensive approach, but their higher yellow card count reflects moments of potentially reckless aggression.

Regarding offside statistics, West Brom's zero offsides against Swansea’s two may point to more disciplined forward movements and better spatial awareness among their attacking players. Swansea’s offsides demonstrate attempts to exploit high defensive lines of West Brom, possibly indicating a strategic push to break their organized defense, though it was ultimately in vain.

Substitutions made by both teams in the second half were strategic efforts to influence the game’s outcome. However, the lack of goals post these substitutions indicates that the impact players could not alter the match dynamics profoundly. Moreover, goalkeeper saves and shots accuracy were pivotal yet have not been detailed in the data provided, these metrics would typically offer deeper insights into both teams' finishing quality.

In conclusion, West Brom's combination of early scoring, disciplined defensive structure, and effective game management during crucial moments proved decisive. Swansea City's higher number of fouls and corner kicks underscores their aggressive approach but reveals inconsistency in critical finishing scenarios. This match underscores the impact of early goals and disciplined play in securing narrow but vital wins in competitive fixtures.

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