Rob Davies
Russell Martin was happy with his side’s performance in the 1-1 draw at Rotherham United after Harry Darling’s stunning equaliser after a defensive mix-up saw the Millers go ahead.
A point on the road is never a bad result although with the chances the Swans had it realistically should have been three points and a good start to the season.
There was some encouragement in terms of attacking play even if the attacking trio of Joel Piroe, Michael Obafemi and Jamie Paterson were a little off form – the key going forward is to increase the urgency something which Martin recognises.
A big test comes on Saturday with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers to the Swansea.com Stadium and hopefully we will see some indication of how the team might do as the season really progresses.
Martin told Wales Online: “I’m frustrated with the scoreline, I think we did more than an enough to win the game.
“I’m sure Paul [Warne] will say they had a few chances.
“I think we had some brilliant chances. But with the performance, I’m really pleased with so many aspects.
“I’m really frustrated with their goal. We’ve done a lot of work on it. When there’s one or two details that are not quite right, they have a clear identity, they love putting the ball into the box. When the temperature of the game goes up, we need to be calm.
“We started brilliantly as well, but when they score, there’s a bit of anxiety. I get it, we’re such a young group and we’ve got a few guys making their debuts. The way they recovered after Harry’s goal was brilliant. Everyone settled down and played some brilliant stuff.
“We were just a bit too anxious to put the ball forward in the first 20 minutes, but after that, we had so much control. Their scary moments came from set-pieces and a counter attack which we need to iron out. We created a chance that was as good a chance as any we’ll get this season. The supporters would have deserved that for travelling in numbers. It gives us loads to build on, I’m just frustrated we didn’t get all three points.”
On transfer links: “I saw us linked with a left centre-half who I’ve never heard of this week.
“There’s been so many players linked with us. Some will be real, some will be tenuous and some will be completely miles away from it. That’s where it is.
“He’s at a club that really values him, he plays all the time, I’ve never spoken to the player in my life. He’s done great with his career recently, with Ireland and everything, but, when someone is linked, in football, the perception and reality are often really far apart.”
