Alex Keble on the poor striker who's lumped with being Wilfried Bony's immediate replacement at the Liberty Stadium...
Bafetimbi Gomis vs Winston Reid
Running at the last man in the final minutes of Swansea's FA Cup tie at Tranmere, Bafetimbi Gomis twisted, turned, and twisted again before finishing neatly into the bottom corner.
It was his second goal of the game and, having also provided two assists, it was the first glimpse we've had of the former Lyon hitman's star quality.
When Wilfried Bony returns from the Africa Cup of Nations he will likely be a Manchester City player, and with only Benfica loanee Nelson Oliveira lined up, Swansea's entire season could be resting on Gomis's performances.
The signs have been positive, but the Frenchman – with just one league goal and only four starts – has rarely had the chance to shine in a Swansea shirt.
His record in the air certainly matches Bony's (both win 2.6 aerial challenges per 90 minutes), and in terms of stature and playing style the similarities continue. But these are big boots to fill.
As a focal point of the Swans' attack, and capable of scoring goals seemingly out of nowhere, Bony's contribution cannot be overstated.
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Even if Gomis hits the ground running, Swansea will need others to step up; Bony is responsible for 36% of all their goals this season, and his general interplay is vital to the vast majority of Swansea's attacks.
As this Stats Zone screen indicates, Bony is not just a goalscorer but the focal point of their game.
The Ivorian's absence could not have come at a worse time. Against such a physical defender as Winston Reid, the visit of West Ham will be a stern test of Gomis's character.
It comes as no surprise that Reid (3.3 aerials won, 9.8 clearances per game) is currently being courted by both Arsenal and Liverpool; his strong challenges and bullish defending have seen off some of the trickiest strikers.
Neither Sergio Aguero nor Alexis Sanchez made much of an impact in the box against a Reid-inspired West Ham.
Swansea's next month, and maybe even their whole season, is potentially riding on Gomis's performances. If he stutters, their challenge for a place in Europe could fall apart. How he fares against Reid might indicate whether or not he will be a success.
Swansea vs West Ham LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
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