Phil Sumbler
There would have been little surprise to know that the two managers had very different views of the game yesterday afternoon after Liam Cullen’s first half goal was enough to give the Swans a first three league points for Luke Williams and put a dent in their hosts play-off ambitions.
It was a huge tonic for the Swans ahead of a big week that sees us welcome both Leeds United (3rd) and Ipswich Town (4th) to the Swansea.com Stadium in the next week. Cullen’s goal came from a well worked corner that saw hi.m meet Josh Tymon’s low ball across and convert on what was a very good afternoon for the Swans.
We were good value for the three points and, after the trials and tribulations of the past few weeks, it was more than pleasing to see us play some strong football and pass the ball to great effect and also using the pace that we injected into the squad in the January transfer window.
Speaking after the game, Swans boss Luke Williams said “I am delighted. To win and get a clean sheet are two things that are perfect, but inside that was the grit and determination of the players who showed they are fighting for their club,” he said.
“I think that is equally as important (as the win and clean sheet), because the opposition are an excellent side, so to come here and keep a clean sheet is a tall order on its own.
“But then to create chances and score was great, we did what we set out to do in the week and we got the job done.
“We made some good openings, which was encouraging. They had good moments too because they are a good side, but it was not a smash and grab, we deserved something from the game and we got it.”
Williams will be hoping that the confidence gained from such a result will see them in good stead this week especially with Leeds the most in-form side in the division having won all of their six league games in 2024.
From the opposition viewpoint yesterday, Liam Rosenior was “devastated” at the result, not so much the loss itself but the nature of his side’s performance which fell well short of the standards that he wants to see from his side.
The Tigers never really threatened to secure a third successive league win for the first time under Rosenior and whilst there were some chances for them during the game it was always the Swans who looked the most threatening to add to the scoreline.
“I’m devastated – firstly, with the result and, secondly, our performance was nowhere near what we’ve been accustomed to,” said Rosenior.
“There are a lot of things to take away, a lot of things for us to improve on. I felt from minute one until their goal, we were second to every second ball. I haven’t had to say that too many times.
“In any game of football, you have to win your duels – we didn’t win enough all over the pitch. Second balls were falling to them, they were winning headers, turning things round on us and we were having to chase back 70 yards to our own goal.
“We didn’t get the basics right and what summed it up was conceding a really poor goal from a set-play, which we’ve been good at overall, because we weren’t switched on to do the basics. That’s what cost us.”
