Captain's pride as Ash salutes Swans performance
17th August
Ashley Williams reflected on one of his proudest days at Swansea City after the historic 2-1 victory at Manchester United.
Goals from Ki Sung-Yueng - his first for the club - and summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson handed the Swans victory in the shock result on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
And Swans skipper Williams was quick to hail the performances of his team-mates.
"We couldn't have asked for any more from that performance," said the centre-back.
"I've never seen a Swansea team with so many players leading by example.
"I'm proud of these guys. We have a really good unit and we get on very well. There's a big emphasis on that, and I want to be a good leader for them.
"I will remember this game for the rest of my life."
The Swans went ahead in the 28th minute via Ki's left-footed strike which nestled into the bottom corner, with Louis van Gaal's side levelling shortly after the break courtesy of Wayne Rooney's close-range effort.
Rooney then struck the post with a free-kick, but the Swans led once again with Sigurdsson's shot just managing to cross the line despite David De Gea's efforts.
Despite a late rally from the hosts, Garry Monk's men held on for their first league win at Old Trafford.
And Williams felt the pre-season plans, which included a two-week tour in America, paid dividends.
"It's reward for everyone involved - the players have worked very hard in pre-season and all the staff have spent a lot of time getting us prepared for the opening game of the season," he added.
"The game plan was perfect too.
"I know last weekend was a friendly against Villarreal, but we thought we let a few people down. But the whole eyes of the world were on us at Old Trafford and we wanted to show everyone what we can do."
Williams also reserved special praise for goalscorers Ki and Sigurdsson.
The midfielders are back at the Liberty following Ki's loan spell at Sunderland while Sigurdsson signed permanently this summer from Tottenham following a successful loan stint with the Swans in 2012.
"I'm delighted for Ki - it was a good finish too," said Williams.
"As a squad we've let him know that we want him here. He's a big part of what we do.
"It didn't work out as he wanted before, but we all know what he can do and we saw that on Saturday.
"Gylfi has a knack for scoring goals. We are counting on him and he knows that.
"And he's popped up with the winner against United, and with the quality he has he's going to be a massive player for us."
Williams was also keen to thank the travelling Swans support for their fantastic backing.
Around 1,800 made the trip to Old Trafford to witness a historic victory.
And Williams pointed out the role the Jack Army played in securing the three points.
"I heard them signing all game it was all I could hear," he added.
"We appreciate and understand that they pay a lot of money that they have worked hard for in order to come and watch us.
"Hopefully we have repaid them with that win.
"We want to give them more performances like that. Last season I felt we didn't give them much to cheer about, but this was a good start."