Hartson hails hot shot Bony

John Hartson hailed the importance of Wilfried Bony to Swansea City ahead of Sunday's clash against Tottenham at the Liberty (4pm).

The Swans welcome Mauricio Pochettino's side to SA1 as they look to bounce back from last weekend's setback at West Ham.

Garry Monk's side fell to a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park, despite taking the lead through Wilfried Bony's seventh goal of the season.

It was also Bony's 19th strike in the league this calendar year - more than any other player. That statistic has earned the Ivorian a number of plaudits, none more so than Hartson.

"I'm a huge fan of his," he said. "I like the fact he loves to show people his strength. When the ball is rolled into him, he puts his foot on it and gives himself a couple of seconds before laying it off.

"That shows the crowd and the defender just how strong he is. I was very much the same when I played, I loved to show people how strong I was.

"He has a great leap, he's scored some great headed goals and I speak to a lot of other players around the Premier League while I'm working and they all say how amazingly strong he is.

"He is pivotal to the way Swansea play, but he'll be a miss come January. That is something the manager may have to look at, whether he'll go into the loan market or not.

"But that may also give (Bafetimbi) Gomis a chance to come in and play every game. I think he's looked lively when he's come on and the goal against Arsenal will have given him great confidence. It will be his chance to show his worth."

The Swans face a Spurs side this weekend who have endured an indifferent campaign so far.

Pochettino's men currently sit tenth in the table at the time of writing, just a point behind the Swans in eighth.

But Spurs have only won twice on a Sunday after featuring in the Europa League this season, and Hartson believes it is a chance for the Swans to get back to winning ways.

"Tottenham have had a few issues this season, particularly playing after a European game," he said. "They have found it difficult, much like Swansea did last year and I'm sure they will come here looking for the three points.

"But Swansea will want to react to last Sunday's disappointment. They were not at their best and Garry realises that.

"It's probably more disappointing because they didn't play on the day, but their home form has been great so far this season.

"They get the crowd behind them and have some good fixtures over the Christmas period and games they can pick results up from."

With 15 games already played this season, the Premier League is fast approaching the midway point of the campaign.

Despite being many pundits' tips to struggle, Swansea have elevated themselves into the top half of the table ahead of the festive period.

"I think they have done very well," said Hartson." The start of the season was very important - winning at Manchester United and following that up with two victories at home.

"I'm sure Garry would have liked to have picked up a few more points on the road, but they have also managed to break into the top five or six on occasions and been consistent.

"I don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on the players or Garry, but if they could stay in the top half and pick up a few more points away from home, it would be fantastic."