Planet Swans ArchivesSwansea manager Roberto Martinez believes his side deserves top billing in league one following their 1-0 victory over Hartlepool on Tuesday night at the Liberty Stadium.
A late strike from Angel Rangel was enough to return the Swans to the top of the league for the first time in over a month and they recorded their first home league victory since the beginning of October in the process.
But Roberto declared after the game that his side was worthy of that billing – a place they will hold until next Tuesday at the very least.
“Our performance really deserved a win and the boys really deserve to sit on top of the league,” he told BBC Sport.
“We kept our concentration and kept doing the right things. I thought some of the passing and movement in the first half was outstanding.”
He added: “With a bit more confidence – which a better home record would give us – we would have got the reward of goals and that would have made it a bit easier.
“But overall the performance was very pleasing. It was a fantastic advert for League One football.”
The manager was also full of praise of two of his summer signings – Angel Rangel the goalscorer and Dorus De Vries who hobbled off the pitch at the end after lengthy treatment on an injury
On Rangel: “He’s very happy to do his duties at the back and take the responsibility in one-v-one situations and defend.
“But then at any opportunity he goes forward and gives us that extra outlet that we need at home – especially when you’re playing against well set-up systems.
“Full-backs can often prove the difference and I think he deserved it because his performances since coming from Spain have been outstanding.”
And on De Vries: “Nothing surprises us with him any more,” said Martinez. “That’s what he’s capable of week-in-week-out.
“He’s a tremendous character and I’m sure after this performance he’s looking forward to going to the training ground and keep improving.
“That’s the type of mentality he’s got – he’s a winner. I’ve said it before, I think he can play as high as he wants.”
