Phil SumblerSwansea City’s pair of JP’s were once again on the top of their form this evening as they combined to set up a goal for each other to cap a great few days for Russell Martin and his team with a come from behind win against one of the promotion favourites.
Jamie Paterson was the one who put the seal on the win with a late goal, set up by Piroe but it was the opposite combination that grabbed the first earlier in the second half which finished a very satisfying evening after the Swans went behind inside the first minute.
It was the first time the Swans have recorded back to back league wins under Martin and is another statement that his plan is slowly coming together, the three points moving the Swans within four points of the top 6 which is slowly starting to feel like could even be a realistic goal in a season that appears to be as competitive and closely fought as any other in the championship.
The link play and understanding that Piroe and Paterson are bringing is paying huge dividends for the Swans who are now seeing possession stats being just part of the game as we start to become more threatening in the attacking third of the pitch.
Russell Martin must also take credit for making changes when things are not working to Plan A – the change of Ntcham for Downes tonight being an example which made a significant change tonight after a first half where we looked second best for large periods.
This was the end of two tough games at home which could easily have gone against us a few weeks back. Martin though has now had almost three months to work with his squad – including two international breaks – and his style is pushing through to the fore and was pivotal in sending West Brom to just their second defeat of the season.
first real sight of goal arrived early in the second period when substitute Olivier Ntcham volleyed wide at the far post.
Albion also had more opportunities, with Matt Clarke heading wide before Jake Livermore’s drive skidded across the soggy surface and drew a sharp save from Ben Hamer.
Yet Swansea levelled when Paterson claimed a third assist in two games, lifting the ball over the top for Piroe.
As the offside flag stayed down, the Dutchman showed strength to hold off Clarke’s challenge before stroking the ball beyond Sam Johnstone.
Ntcham saw two more efforts fly wide as Albion wobbled, though the visitors responded when Matt Phillips’ thunderous 25-yard drive was pushed onto the bar by Hamer.
But it was Martin’s men who found a winner when Piroe turned provider for Paterson, who danced past Swansea old boy Kyle Bartley on the edge of the area before guiding a shot into the far corner of the net.
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