Adam Idah | We all have an important part to play
Adam Idah believes everyone in Swansea City’s squad will have a part to play this season after his goal secured a 2-1 victory at Stoke City.
The forward was introduced as a 65th minute substitute at the bet365 Stadium with the score at 1-1.
He needed just a matter of seconds to make his mark, meeting Josh Tymon’s low cross at the end of a flowing move to sweep home the match-winner on the opening day of the league season.
Idah’s decisive finish ended Swansea’s wait for an opening-day league victory, with the Swans claiming three points on the first weekend of a league season for the first time since 2020. It was also just their third league triumph away at Stoke this century.
And the 25-year-old believes the strength and depth of the squad will be crucial if Swansea are to have a positive season.
“It’s really important. If we want to do as well as we want to and try to get into the play-offs or get back to the Premier League, we’re going to need everyone,” he said.
“Whether you’re starting, on the bench or don’t get on, everyone can make a difference. It’s really important that everyone understands that and that we stick together throughout the season.
“Hopefully, we can all make more of an impact.”
The Swans had fallen behind to Eric Bocat’s opener but showed good character to turn the game around, with Idah particularly pleased with the way Swansea responded to going behind.
“It’s something that we really needed, and it’s what we prepared for throughout pre-season,” he added.
“To come here, put in a performance like that and get three points, I’m delighted. It’s a tough place to come and I think a lot of teams in this league will find it difficult to get a result here, but I think we showed great determination.
“Last season, the away games weren’t great for us, so that was something we wanted to build on, and we managed to do that here.”
Having been introduced with 25 minutes remaining, Idah was able to make the telling contribution as Swansea completed their comeback, with the forward reflecting on the role played by his team-mates in creating the opportunity.
“It was a good bit of play between a few of the boys,” he explained.
“My first thought was just to get into the box because Tymo, as you know, puts in unbelievable balls, and thankfully he managed to pick me out.
"It was unbelievable to score, especially in the first game of the season and being away from home. I struggled a bit last season with injuries, and finished the end of last season well, so I wanted to continue doing that.
“It was really special to score in front of the fans too. They have been fantastic, and for so many of them to travel up here is amazing.”
Before Idah’s late winner, Swansea had drawn level through summer signing Joseph Opoku, who marked his first league appearance for the club with a powerful finish midway through the first half.
The 20-year-old reacted sharply inside the Stoke penalty area before driving the ball home to give the visitors a deserved reward for their response to falling behind.
And Idah was delighted to see his fellow attacker open his Swans account as he continues to settle into his new surroundings.
“I think all of us attackers want to get on the scoresheet and get assists,” he continued.
“For him, obviously being new and still learning about the boys and the club, it’s really important to get off to a good start.
“He’s been fantastic, and to be fair to all the new boys, they’ve been brilliant. Hopefully, they can all make an impact.”