Clement salutes Dons triumph

Paul Clement toasted a dominant performance after Swansea City banked their first win of the new season against MK Dons.

The Swans ran out 4-1 winners in the Carabao Cup second round despite going a goal down to their League One hosts.

After Ryan Seager scored against the run of play in the 17th minute to put the Dons in front, the Swans immediately struck back as Leroy Fer nodded home from Jay Fulton’s cross.

Clement’s side went ahead when Fer headed home his second goal of the night from a Tom Carroll corner on the hour, and it was 3-1 11 minutes later after Tammy Abraham swept home his first goal for the club.

Jordan Ayew rounded off the scoring late on, rolling a shot into the bottom corner as the Swans eased into the third round.

The only disappointment of the evening was an injury to Kyle Bartley, who was stretchered off late on with a knee problem.

Concerns for Bartley aside, Clement was pleased enough with the Swans’ night in Milton Keynes – even if they made life a little hard for themselves in the first period.

“I am pleased with the second half. In the first half we made hard work of it – we should have been more clinical,” the Swans manager said.

“We had enough ball and created enough opportunities to be in a much healthier position at half-time.

“In the second half we combined better with each other and were more clinical. There was more teamwork rather than individual work and in the end it was a comfortable win.

“We had a lot of ball throughout the game and our shaped worked well, with the overload in midfield and width from the full-backs.

“But at half-time it was 1-1 after we went a goal behind, albeit against the run of play.

“In the end there were some encouraging signs, some good football, and it’s a first win of the season. You have to enjoy the wins and we are happy to be in the next round.”

Having seen his team fail to score in their first two Premier League games of 2017-18, Clement was delighted with the four-goal haul at Stadium mk.

“We got four goals and all from players in the forward positions,” he added.

“They are the furthest three players up the pitch so it’s good when they are getting goals.

“Leroy brings that threat. He is good in the air, strong at set-plays and has a powerful strike. He is a good option in that (attacking midfield) position and can also play on the right of left of midfield.

“We know Tammy can score. He got goals in pre-season and it was only going to be a matter of time before he got his first competitive goal. It’s different in the Premier League, but that’s good for his confidence. Hopefully that’s the first of many.

“Jordan gives so much to the team. he has bundles of energy and you always want a little bit better end product for him.

“He gets into such great positions but the final ball or final touch isn’t always there, but it was certainly there for his goal.”

The Swans’ focus now switches to Saturday’s top-flight game at Crystal Palace.

“We go back to the training ground now and look forward to Crystal Palace,” Clement said.

“We are going to be working hard to see if we can get our first win of the season in the league.”