The Swans – under the guidance of Curtis following the sacking of Garry Monk – looked every inch a side that could dig themselves out of the trouble they are in following a miserable run of form.

Ultimately it was a defeat for the Swans but the confidence is higher now following the excellent display where we can count ourselves more than unlucky not to get the result that we deserved.

The Swans will now start a run of three games in eight days starting next Sunday but can approach them with the belief that we can get the results that will get us back on track to secure a sixth Premier League season next term.

“We’re bitterly disappointed,” said Curtis. “When Gomis scored,I thought it would’ve been a fantastic point for us.

“But maybe that’s the difference between the teams at the bottom and the teams at the top – that bit of luck.

“I thought we were excellent today and deserved something out of the game.

“I think we showed today that the quality is there. So many people had written us off before the game, but we wanted the three points.

“All credit to Man City, they’re a fantastic team, but we felt we matched them for long periods today.

“The performance was something we can look back on – that’s the standard. To a man, every player gave everything.

“We need to maintain that standard. And if we do, I am 100 per cent confident that we will get ourselves out of trouble.”

<#mcfc>