Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic earned sympathy from manager Owen Coyle after scoring the winner and then being sent off in the 2-1 victory at home to Stoke City.
The 30-year-old Croatia international netted two minutes into stoppage time at the Reebok Stadium, before being shown two yellow cards in quick succession by referee Peter Walton.
Coyle said after the game:“He made an impression and what an impression, because he was the match-winner.
“We know the quality he has and it’s been frustrating for me and him not being able to get him on the pitch.
“But that’s been down to the form of Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies and it was the same again here.
“But the quality of Ivan’s finish was there for everybody to see. It was an exquisite winner. The disappointment for him is he has received a red card on the back of that.
“The first yellow I can accept because he went out to help his pal who had been fouled and then the second he has jumped early for the ball, with no intention of hurting anybody.
“To receive a yellow card I thought was very harsh. I don’t know what the referee has seen, if he had a different angle.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“But it’s two yellow cards, you can’t affect that and it means we have another player suspended.”
Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
QPR are on the verge of signing Nancy midfielder Samba Diakite in a loan deal until the end of the season.
Mark Hughes is looking to bring in as many new faces as possible before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, and has already signed Taye Taiwo and Nedum Onohua for the Loftus Road club.
With Alejandro Faurlin currently injured, the newly promoted side could do with an extra option in the middle of the park, and Diakite looks set to finalise a loan deal on Monday.
The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with Mali at the African Cup of Nations, but Nancy president Jacques Rousselot has confirmed that Diakite will fly to London to undergo a medical.
“Alain Giresse, coach of Mali, agreed that Samba could go to England to complete his loan,” Rousselot told L’Equipe.
“It will be a loan with an option to buy if QPR are still in the Premier League at the end of the season.”
The reported fee if Rangers decide to make the deal permanent is around €4million (£3.4m).
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Inter Milan boss Leonardo was impressed with his side’s maturity after beating Fiorentina 3-1 on Sunday.The result saw Inter jump back into second place in Serie A – and they did it without several first-team regulars as they prepare for a Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg against Roma on Wednesday.
Goals to Giampaolo Pazzini and Esteban Cambiasso had Inter 2-0 ahead inside the first 30 minutes and although Alberto Gilardino brought Fiorentina back into the game with a 74th-minute goal, talented Brazilian Philippe Coutinho made sure of the result with his strike three minutes later.
“This victory was needed to ensure our Champions League spot and second place. It was another show of maturity and belief in our capabilities,” Leonardo said.
“It wasn’t easy to get the situation back on track after that cursed week against Milan and Schalke, but we’ve done it.”
When asked to reflect on the season, Leonardo admitted he would not have changed his decisions and blamed a 3-0 derby defeat in April at the hands of champions-elect AC Milan as a reason as to why his side did not win the league.
“Looking back, there is nothing I’d change. It’s all part of the journey. The derby defeat was certainly crucial for the Scudetto, but even with hindsight I would’ve made the same decisions,” he said.
“Milan won the Scudetto and therefore deserved it. They’re a great squad and I have no problem looking at my past. Looking at our season with neutral eyes, it remains positive.”
Leonardo also reflected on his side’s trophy success and said he has never contemplated leaving his post at Inter.
“Clearly Inter want to win everything, but the club already picked up the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup, while we can reach the Coppa Italia final,” he said.
“As for my future, I have never thought about leaving Inter. I have a contract and want to respect it, even if I know a coach is always judged on his results.”
Yesterday, Everton gave Manchester United a taste of their own medicine with an astonishing injury time comeback from 1-3 down to 3-3. It may be a long while until the Premier League sees the likes of it again, but here are some memories to tide us over…
Nigeria 3-2 Spain
13th June 1998
African teams were still emerging as borderline contenders in a perpetually South America and Europe dominated international scene. Yet against all odds, a cultured Spain team fell in unlikely circumstances to Nigeria. It all started so well for the Spanish, who looked set for an easy victory once Fernando Hierro had sent a low daisycutter of a free kick into the net past Peter Rufai. But they were stunned just four minutes later when a poorly defended near post corner was headed into the roof of the net by Mutiu Adepoju.
There was a perceived atonement just after half time when Raul volleyed home from close range, but Nigeria held out to keep the deficit at just one. Their efforts were rewarded with a second equaliser on 72 minutes, with Garba Lawal and Rasheed Yakini exchanging passes, with Lawal finding the net from close range, via an Andoni Zubizaretta deflection. The winner came when a long throw in was only cleared as far as the lurking Sunday Oliseh, who unleashed a ferocious shot from 30 yards to give Nigeria the points. Nigeria went on to finish top, while Spain were eliminated.
Manchester United 2-1 Sheffield Weds
10th April 1993
This was not just the day that ‘Old Trafford Injury Time’ was born, but also the day Sir Alex Ferguson had been waiting for – establishment at the summit of the Premier League. He duly celebrated the success with some half baked dad-dancing on the edge of the pitch, but Manchester United were made to work for their first Premier League title. This match was pivotal in the outcome of the inaugural 1992-93 Premier League season; five days earlier, United had disposed of title contenders Norwich who were by now out of the running despite being top at Christmas. After a goalless first half, replacement referee John Hilditch gave a penalty to the visitors, which was duly dispatched by John Sheridan.
With seven minutes of added time announced, United had the perfect opportunity to take something. Steve Bruce popped up out of nowhere to send a header looping over Chris Woods into the net for 1-1. The last kick of the game was a repeat performance, with Gary Pallister’s cross deflected into the path of Bruce who headed past Woods again. Seconds later the whistle blew, and as news filtered through from Villa Park that Aston Villa had drawn 0-0 with Coventry, United were spurred onto a five game winning streak which brought the title to Old Trafford.
West Ham 3-4 Wimbledon
9th September 1998
This was a London derby after the hearts of every neutral and cockney alike, it was non stop, high octane stuff with an unprecedented outcome. After just 25 minutes, West Ham were coasting at 3-0. John Hartson reacted to an Ian Wright knockdown from Trevor Sinclair’s cross and buried the ball past Neil Sullivan, before an effort by Hartson fell to Wright who made no mistake. Australian winger Stan Lazaridis then crossed expertly for Wright to plant a header into the corner to secure three easy points. Not if Wimbledon had anything to do with it…
Just three minutes after West Ham’s third, Alan Kimble proved his delivery credentials by inch perfectly finding Marcus Gayle, who headed past Shaka Hislop to set about some claret nerves. After half time, Javier Margas played a sloppy defensive ball, and Jason Euell pounced for 3-2. The equaliser came in the 77th minute, after Hislop fumbled a corner, allowing Gayle to score again. With both sides looking for the winner, the point disappeared when Wimbledon went on a counter attack and Euell’s pass found Efan Ekoku, who headed down and in, sending the 17 Wimbledon fans in the away end into raptures.
Wolves 4-3 Leicester
25th October 2003
Perhaps slightly more impressive is Wolves’ win over Leicester, during which Wolves were trailing 3-0 at half time. After 15 minutes, the master of headers Les Ferdinand had used his bonce to put Leicester ahead from Muzzy Izzet’s corner, before immediately converting another Izzet corner from close range. Ferdinand then found Ricardo Scimeca to put the result seemingly beyond doubt.
A Hassan Kachoul free kick found Colin Cameron, who drilled the ball into the corner to give the Molineux faithful (who remained) some hope. That hope was then redoubled when a penalty was awarded on the hour mark and successfully converted by Cameron. Eight minutes later, Gavin Rae headed home to level matters, before Henri Camara belted home a Dennis Irwin delivery just five minutes from time.
Tottenham 3-5 Man Utd
29th September 2001
Manchester United may have turned a 0-2 deficit into a 5-2 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford in April last year, but in Tottenham’s own backyard, they produced an equally scintillating comeback nine years ago. New signing Dean Richards got Tottenham off the mark after heading Christian Ziege’s cross into the corner of Fabien Barthez’ net, and soon after Gustavo Poyet’s pass found Les Ferdinand, who shot past Barthez to put Tottenham in control. Poyet again delivered with aplomb, this time low for Ziege to score with a diving header for 3-0.
Tottenham failed to weather the usual post half-time rant storm and United pulled a goal back less than a minute into the second half, with Neville crossed for Cole to produce a carbon copy of Ziege’s goal. As bad as United had been in the first half, Spurs were much worse, when Laurent Blanc was left unmarked to head David Beckham’s immaculate corner into the net. Mikael Silvestre then continued the trend of cross-field ball goals, finding the head of Ruud van Nistelrooy to make it 3-3. Juan Sebastian Veron then powered a shot into the corner of Neil Sullivan’s net, before Beckham scored with a searing half volley to cap United’s best second half performance to date in the Premier League.
West Ham 3-4 Tottenham
4th March 2007
This one had the neutrals slavering at the bit, it had all the drama anyone could wish for. West Ham were in a dire run of form and rooted firmly at the bottom of the table. Following an indifferent start, Tottenham were by now safe and challenging for a UEFA Cup spot. West Ham were defensively poor all afternoon, but when Mark Noble and Carlos Tevez scored either side of some impressive saves by Robert Green, West Ham appeared to have everything under control. After half time though, the lead evaporated as ex-Hammer Jermain Defoe converted a penalty before Teemu Tainio levelled the game with an impressive volley.
After a tit for tat exchange of chances in which Tottenham had looked the more threatening, Bobby Zamora headed in to grab what many believed to be the winner. But barely three minutes later, Berbatov’s free kick was deflected into the net for a cruel equaliser. Cruelty then became sadism, as Paul Stalteri was first to a charged down Defoe shot, slotting in with mere seconds left on the clock. The full time whistle brought jeers and tears to the West Ham faithful, convinced of their relegation and completely adrift at the bottom – but for one diminutive, buck toothed Argentinian who didn’t know the meaning of the word…
Arsenal 5-3 Middlesbrough
22nd August 2004
In the early days of 2004-05, Arsenal smashed all records as their unbeaten run reached 49 games. It was not all a bed of roses however, and after 53 minutes of their ‘routine’ home match against Middlesbrough, they looked destined to fail at just 41 games. When Thierry Henry chipped Mark Schwarzer on 25 minutes, Arsenal (who had dominated the game completely) looked set for another easy victory. Joseph Desiree-Job then produced an equaliser against the run of play after a neat one-two with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
After the interval, Hasselbaink was allowed all the time and space in the world to shoot past Jens Lehmann to put Middlesbrough ahead. The score then became an unbelievable 3-1 with left-back Franck Quedrue sending a 30 yard scorcher past the now bemused Lehmann. This was the signal Arsenal needed, and Bergkamp would equalise immediately following some slack defending and a cool finish. Ten minutes later, a devastating double blow put Arsenal 4-3 up with Robert Pires sending the ball in after Henry’s shot was drifting wide, followed straightaway by Bergkamp’s neat ball to Reyes who had no trouble in scoring. Although Middlesbrough would not genuinely threaten yet another Arsenal win, Henry scored again in stoppage time to maintain Arsenal’s ‘unbeatable’ tag.
Leeds 4-3 Liverpool
4th November 2000
Leeds United were fresh off a League Cup humiliation at the hands of Tranmere, but experienced contrasting emotions against the reds of Merseyside, as the then Champions League participants produced an unthinkable comeback. Liverpool were on a four game winning run, and it looked to be getting on for five when headers from Sami Hypia and Christian Ziege exposed lax defending from Leeds. A fortunate deflection to Mark Viduka halved the deficit, and the rotund Australian striker scored just minutes after the break for 2-2.
Liverpool restored their advantage soon after with Vladimir Smicer finding the net after a neat interchange of passes in midfield. Not to be outdone, Viduka then produced a one man show which left Smicer sprawling, and the subsequent shot beating Sander Westerveld. The winner came two minutes later, when Viduka just about escaped the offside trap to lob the ball over Westerveld for a truly memorable day in happier times at Elland Road.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Uerdingen 7-3 Dynamo Dresden
19th March 1986
WHO? I hear you ask? Well it’s true that nobody could be blamed for never having heard of these two ex-titans, but it was in the 1985-86 Cup Winners Cup quarter final that the greatest two-legged comeback ever occurred. Billed as a clash of East vs West Germany, it lived up to all expectations other than the expectation that heavy favourites Dresden would be coasting through after winning the first leg 2-0.
By half time, Dresden were 3-1 up (5-1 on aggregate) and all but through to the next round – even the Uerdingen head coach had reportedly conceded defeat. The team however, weren’t listening to the half time talk which might have gone along the lines of “don’t concede too many, keep your heads up” and made an unspoken pact to produce the 45 minutes of a lifetime.
Firstly, a dubious penalty was awarded, which Wolfgang Funkel converted successfully. Gudmundsson then made it 3-3 on the night, before the fantastically named Ralf Minge scored an own goal which made him look every inch like one of his namesakes. Klinger then made it 5-3, before another penalty was awarded and again converted by Funkel. In just 23 short minutes, a five goal burst had turned the tables, and the whistle was in the referee’s mouth for full time just as Schafer’s shot hit the net for 7-3, and the most unlikely of progresses to the next round – where they were duly eliminated by Athletico Madrid.
Charlton 7-6 Huddersfield
21st December 1957
Unquestionably, the greatest comeback ever seen inside a 90 minute game. Although nothing that ever happened in football really mattered until 1992, this match is rightly a part of folklore. No one could have predicted that a humble second division game between mid-tablers would turn into an epic, with fans perhaps more inclined to be partaking in some Christmas shopping.
At the time, Liverpool’s legendary manager Bill Shankly was plying his trade for Huddersfield, all the while mentoring a young Denis Law, who sat out this game with a thigh injury. At half time, Huddersfield were leading 2-0, and Shankly was typically quick to praise his team’s performance, reportedly saying “Charlton? They’re not fit to be on the same park!” Meanwhile, in the home dressing room, despairing Charlton were down to ten men with Derek Ufton forced off due to a dislocated shoulder.
Surely things couldn’t get any worse, but get worse they did. Despite winger Johnny Summers pulling a goal back, ruthless Huddersfield reduced Charlton to mere onlookers as a three goal burst in 17 minutes put the game seemingly out of reach. An immediate response was on the cards, as Buck Ryan scored, and within minutes Summers had his second, completing his hat trick ten minutes later.
At 5-4 even Shankly was beginning to worry, but his worry became inner tumult as Summers hit a double blast to make it 6-5 Charlton. A John Hewie own goal then provided Huddersfield with an unlikely equaliser, before long suffering Huddersfield goalkeeper Sandy Kennon slipped in the mud during what appeared to be a routine save. Deep into stoppage time, Buck Ryan found the net for the winner.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has stated that losing 3-2 to Swansea on Sunday was disappointing, especially the nature of the home side’s winning goal.
Robin van Persie gave The Gunners the lead before Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot; the game went into the half time break at 1-1.
Nathan Dyer put the Welsh side ahead in the second half before Theo Walcott brought the match back to all square, however Danny Graham scored the winner less than a minute later.
The loss was disappointing for Wenger, who feels his side could well have won the game.
“We played against a good side and I believe as well we lost the last two (league) games under very special circumstances,” he told Sky Sports.
“We were very unlucky because it was never a penalty and after that I feel as well we were guilty because when you come back to 2-2, we could feel that there was space to win the game.
“Straight away we gave the 3-2. They were a bit struggling at the time and that gave them of course morale again and their keeper kept them in the game after.
“We missed some great chances at 3-2 and in a game like that, you can not afford that,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas wants his side to end a perfect season by making the Europa League final.Villas-Boas’ side have already wrapped up the Liga Sagres crown and are undefeated in 26 matches, having booked their spot in the last four of the Europa League after they won 5-2 at Spartak Moscow on Wednesday to seal a 10-3 aggregate thumping.
They will join fellow Portuguese sides Sporting Braga and Benfica in the last four, with the Porto boss adamant his team must make the showpiece final in Dublin on May 18.
“We will try to reach the final,” Villas-Boas told Porto’s official website.
“We have registered an impressive victory and we have to give more and try to reach a much desired goal – the final.”
“Last season Atletico Madrid and Fulham played the final, but few remember the other two teams that were in the semi-finals (Liverpool and Hamburg).”
“Our journey in the competition has become even more remarkable and we will try to reach the final.”
With their league campaign over, Porto can place their full attention on winning the competition, something Spartak Moscow will not be able to do after their embarrassing defeat over two legs.
But despite the seven-goal aggregate defeat, Spartak manager Valery Karpin declared that he was ‘not ashamed’ of his side.
Karpin preferred to focus on the side’s ability to create chances, with his attention now firmly on the Russian Premier League where his side sit second from bottom.
“There were more positives than negatives today. We created 15 opportunities to score, and the main thing is we created them,” Karpin told NTV-Plus after the match.
“Maybe I am crazy, but I have no complaints. For the team I’m not ashamed.”
Remember that start of season feeling from just under two weeks ago? It is a unique time when all teams are briefly equal, their hopes and dreams still intact. It is an emotion cultivated by journalists and broadcasters to sell the return of the Premier League. But from now until the end of the campaign most clubs will oscillate between elation and misery, with most teams never far away from disaster. Even those stuck in mid-table mediocrity can be annoyed and dismayed that they are not challenging for a European place. Regardless of a club’s size or standing large swathes of the media cannot resist couching their analyses in hyperbolic terms. This provides a stark contrast to the dullness of FootballSpeak but what are the implications for fans and their conceptions of success and failure?
This hyped media culture pervades football in other countries but seems to annually intensify in the PL. Ian Holloway whose Blackpool side have already been treated to the full spectrum of dramatic headlines said, “it’s the maddest world I’ve ever known.” Within a week the plucky seasiders experienced the transitory nature of success. Having thumped Wigan 4-0 away from home they were on the receiving end, shipping six at Arsenal on Saturday. After a passing appearance at the top of the table on the opening day of the season, it was a tough lesson in what it takes survive in the PL. The Blackpool fans did not seem to mind, creating a joyous atmosphere at the Emirates way beyond the final whistle.
Press speculation has been rampant at Upton Park too as the Hammers remain pointless in the league. Loose at the back and shaky up front, they have already been associated with another exhaustive relegation battle. Nevertheless West Ham outplayed Bolton in the first half of their weekend encounter and could have easily been 3-0 up at half-time. The situation is similarly ominous at the DW Stadium where Roberto Martinez’s future is under intense speculation. His Wigan side have conceded ten without reply so far and inevitably he heads the PL sack race, ahead of Avram Grant.
Those expected to be at the opposite end of the table are not immune from dire warnings and predictions either. Roberto Mancini’s defensive tactics at White Hart Lane were widely derided as was the star studded side’s lack of coherence and team spirit. Fast forward a week and Manchester City’s comfortable home win over Liverpool prompted many to argue that there was a confidence and quality to match their brash spending programme. They comprehensively overcame a team who were supposedly on an upward trajectory under the calming influence of the experienced Roy Hodgson. Newcastle and Aston Villa have also experienced the football merry-go-round in recent weeks.
The highly changeable and inconsistent nature of football coverage is not lost on some. However its exaggerated nature has intensified since the inception of the PL and within this context it can distort the expectations of fans. Roberto Martinez has blamed the transfer window for his woes but fans still view the relentless recruitment of new players as the best remedy to underachievement. Media outlets have bred a chronic short-termism towards players and managers over the requirement for planning, experience and stable progression. For a club such as Blackburn who finished 10th last season, what is the best way to compete? Seemingly it would be through placing their trust in billionaire financiers and tycoons like Ashan Ali Syed who wax lyrical about a longstanding love of the English game, faith in ‘Big Sam’ and a £100 million transfer kitty. Comparably Liverpool fans were pinning their hopes on the generosity of Chinese bidder Kenny Huang who declared an interest in acquiring the club.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Football is a knee-jerk business as dour rationalism simply does not sell. The views of fans will be swayed by these examples of embellished stories to varying degrees. Yet the game remains a results business as that elusive win or succession of good results is the only tonic to adversity, until a game is lost and the whole process can start again.
According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa have turned down a bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for in-demand centre-back James Chester.
What’s the story?
Villa’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League has left the club in a very difficult position both on and off the field.
Villa’s issues away from the football pitch have been well documented in recent days, but the club’s supporters will be more concerned with what could happen to the first-team squad.
Chester is believed to be attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs, but according to The Telegraph, Villa technical director Steve Round has knocked back an offer from Brighton.
Chester is valued at £7.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, and that is figure that will not put off the top-flight clubs that are said to be admirers of the former Manchester United youngster.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]
Brighton will play Premier League football once again next season, and they will surely return with another offer sooner or later.
Can Aston Villa keep him?
To be honest, it is going to be extremely difficult for Villa to keep their best players this summer.
Jack Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa Park, whilst it has already been confirmed that John Terry will not represent the club next term.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Chester was outstanding for Villa during the 2017-18 campaign, and he has become a real favourite with the club’s supporters due to his no-nonsense defending.
The 29-year-old has made 96 appearances for Villa since joining the club from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2016, and he will surely want the opportunity to play at the top level once again.
If Villa are to launch another challenge for Premier League promotion next season then they will need Chester on board, but keeping him could prove to be an impossible task.
Southampton announced a piece of transfer news this morning, but it was probably not quite what the fans were hoping for.
The Saints’ fanbase have been desperate for the club to bring in some new faces to help stave off relegation from the Premier League.
At the moment, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men sit inside the bottom three, one point from safety following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s.
The club pocketed a figure thought to be around £75m for Virgil van Dijk when they sold the defender to Liverpool earlier this month, but that cash is yet to be spent on new players.
Today, the coastal outfit announced a transfer, but it was an outgoing rather than an arrival.
Matt Targett has moved to Fulham on loan until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old will drop down to the Championship to gain some regular game time having started just two league matches for Southampton this season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Fans tweeted their reaction to the news when it was announced.
It doesn’t get much better than a 3-0 home victory over your bitter rivals but, after the week Swansea have suffered, beating Cardiff will have felt all the more sweeter.
After a fairly dull opening 45-minutes, Garry Monk’s decision to bring Pablo Hernandez on for Marvin Emnes proved to be a masterstroke as the midfielder set up Wayne Routledge for the opener within just 90 seconds of the re-start and was then involved the Swans’ two other goals.
And it was one way traffic from then on as Nathan Dyer and Wilfried Bony rounded off the victory for the Swans as they leaped up to tenth in the Premier League four points clear of the relegation zone.
The result might well hand Garry Monk the full-time job as Swansea manager but, more importantly, keep them in the top-flight come the end of the campaign. Here’s three reasons why Monk might just be the man to take Swansea forward…
1. His substitutions were game changing, especially Hernandez’s introduction at half-time…
https://vine.co/v/MW7QuYgAFUp/embed/simple
2. The players love and respect him, particularly captain Ashley Williams…
3. He has a connection with the club and the fans, which is incredibly rare with managers these days…