Monk – We Need To Take The Opportunities

Three second half goals from the visitors gave them a win that flattered them greatly but in the end it was another defeat for the Swans who have now won just once in their last eight outings.

This afternoon taught us a strong lesson in why you need to take your chances when you are on top and no one was more guilty than Bafetimbi Gomis who squandered the best chance of the first half when he was played through by Jonjo Shelvey.

It was not to be for the Swans who can feel a little aggrieved by the nature of the second goal that ended the match as a contest but as manager Garry Monk said after the game it was the missed chances that cost his team

“We’re disappointed to lose the game,” said Monk. “It’s hard because there were a lot of positives, especially the first half. We were the better team, created chances and played good football.

“The intention was there straight away. We had Arsenal on the back foot for the first half and should have taken our chances.

“I thought the effort and commitment from my players was great, but you need to take those opportunities when you’re on top.

“The first two goals were mistakes from ourselves, and you can’t do that against any team, especially a team like Arsenal.

“They were poor goals from our point of view, and it was an uphill task from there.

“It’s a shame because we played so well. I think three-nil flatters Arsenal.

I feel for the players because that first half was much more like ourselves. We were aggressive and on the front foot.

“We need to take the positives from today into games against teams in and around us.”

<#arsenal>