2013-14 Season Review: Part Three

Following on from the Europa League exit to Napoli, Swansea had to start picking up results to haul themselves clear of danger and preserve their place amongst the elite for a fourth successive season...

With just domestic matters to focus on, the aim was simple - remain in the Premier League. The quest began with back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and West Brom.

Despite leading in both games, Palace came back to earn a late point thanks to a Glenn Murray penalty, while Albion stunned the Jack Army by coming from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 win and leave the Swans perilously looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.

A narrow defeat against Everton did little to brighten mood, but a fine performance against Arsenal at the Emirates was a timely boost. Despite Wilfried Bony's opener, the home side came back to lead 2-1 heading into stoppage time before a Mathieu Flamini own goal earned the Swans a share of the points heading into a crucial home clash with fellow strugglers Norwich.

In what was billed as a must-win game, Swansea didn't disappoint. Two goals from Jonathan de Guzman sent the home side on their way, before Wayne Routledge added a fine third.

Following that win over the Canaries, a trip to Hull offered a chance of yet more crucial points in the battle for survival. But a disappointing afternoon on Humberside resulted in a 1-0 defeat - and the pressure was on again.

Chelsea were next up at the Liberty, and it was backs against the wall for Swansea following an early red card to Chico Flores. Despite holding out for nearly an hour, Demba Ba scored the only goal of the game to leave the Swans licking their wounds.

However, in the space of two games, everything changed.

A trip to Newcastle proved the perfect tonic after reports of training ground unrest, and despite going a goal behind, a brace from Wilfried Bony - including a last-gasp penalty - sent the travelling Swans fans into raptures as the finishing line was in sight.

That victory was followed up with a superb 4-1 success over Aston Villa at the Liberty, and coupled with results elsewhere, it meant Swansea City would remain a Premier League club for a fourth successive season.

Southampton were the visitors to the Liberty Stadium for the final home game of the season in what was a lacklustre affair.

Despite the game looking as though it would end goalless, Rickie Lambert netted a bizarre winner deep into stoppage time to secure victory for the Saints.

However, Garry Monk's side ended the campaign on a high with a 3-1 win at Sunderland on the final.

Goals from Nathan Dyer, Marvin Emnes and Wilfried Bony - his 25th of the season - ensured the Swans head back to SA1 with all three points to end the year in 12th place in the Barclays Premier League.