02/01/2012 15:00 v Aston Villa

29th May
First team

The Swans claimed their first away win in the Premier League after putting Aston Villa to the sword 2-0.

It was a perfect start to the New Year for the Swans, who enjoyed a first win on the road in the top flight since 1982.

Brendan Rodgers’ arrived at Villa Park having won just once in their last nine matches.

Nevertheless, they came flying out of the blocks and took the lead after only four minutes.

Nathan Dyer pounced on a loose header by Stephen Warnock before darting into the area and firing past Brad Guzan into the far corner.

The Swans went close to doubling their lead before the break with Dyer and Andrea Orlandi going close, while Danny Graham was denied by Guzan.

However, they increased their advantage within two minutes of the restart as Graham’s shot bounced off the post and into the path of Wayne Routledge, who slotted home his first Premier League goal.

Villa almost grabbed a consolation in the dying moments as a Charles N’Zogbia strike rattled the woodwork, but the Swans held on for a clean sheet and three points.

ASTON VILLA: Brad Guzan, Carlos Cuellar (Alan Hutton, 55), James Collins, Richard Dunne, Ciaran Clark (Barry Bannan, 85), Neil Warnock, Stephen Ireland (Marc Albrighton, 68), Stiliyan Petrov, Charles N’Zogbia, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent.

SUBS NOT USED: Andy Marshall, Gary Gardner, Andi Weimann, Emile Heskey.

SWANS: Michel Vorm, Angel Rangel, Steven Caulker, Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Kemy Agustien, Leon Britton, Andrea Orlandi (Joe Allen, 58), Nathan Dyer (Scott Sinclair, 78), Danny Graham, Wayne Routledge.

SUBS NOT USED: Gerhard Tremmel, Garry Monk, Jazz Richards, Leroy Lita, Luke Moore.