A strong performance from Garry
Monk’s Swansea City side saw them come from behind twice in their opening
fixture against reigning champions, Chelsea. A resolute attitude throughout the
team meant Swansea’s perseverance and good decision making in attack brought
them through the game, to leave Stamford Bridge with a point. A composed finish
from new boy Andre Ayew brought Swansea level after 29 minutes, however the joy
was short lived as a Fernandez own goal brought Chelsea level just 1 minute
later. In the second half, Swansea continued to threaten Chelsea’s goal and
striker Bafetimbi Gomis won a penalty early on as Chelsea’s goalkeeper Thibaut
Courtois saw red. Gomis dispatched the penalty to draw them level once more.
Swansea couldn’t take advantage of the situation, but will be pleased to leave
with a point.
Swansea welcomed Newcastle to the
Liberty Stadium for their second game of the season and will have been
confident after their performance at Stamford Bridge a week prior. This
confidence had an immediate impact as striker Gomis rounded Newcastle
goalkeeper Tim Krul to score after 90 minutes. Winger Jefferson Montero ran
riot down Swansea’s left flank and proved too much to deal with for Magpies
full-back Daryl Janmaat, his dismissal on 41 minutes for persistently impeding
Montero. The Ecuadorian continued to impress, providing the assist to Ayew’s
goal, Swansea’s second of the game. Further efforts from Montero and Gylfi
Sigurdsson could have increased the Swans’ lead further but for the Newcastle
upright.
With two good performances to
start the campaign this season, Swansea will hope to continue progressing and
have a good chance of challenging for the Europa League spots. If they can
continue to upset the league’s big boys, they could be a very influential team
this season.
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