On This Day | Llorente lifts the Swans

6th May
Club

Swansea City took a huge stride towards Premier League survival after beating Everton 1-0 at the Liberty on May 6, 2017.

Fernando Llorente’s first-half header proved to be the difference as the Swans moved out of the relegation zone with two matches remaining.

Paul Clement’s side were in a buoyant mood having taken four points from their previous two games ahead of welcoming the Toffees to South Wales, including a creditable 1-1 draw at Old Trafford six days earlier.

Their spirits were further boosted following Hull City’s defeat at home to relegated Sunderland earlier in the day, meaning a victory would see them climb out of the bottom three.

The hosts took the lead with their first meaningful opportunity in the 29th minute, when Jordan Ayew’s deflected cross was met by Llorente, who rose above Phil Jagielka to head home his 13th Premier League goal of the season.

Jagielka and Mason Holgate made great blocks to prevent Alfie Mawson and Martin Olsson from doubling the advantage soon after, while Ayew saw a volley crash against the post.

At the other end, Lukasz Fabianski was tested by Romelu Lukaku’s 20-yard effort, before Maarten Stekelenburg produced a fine save to thwart Leroy Fer.

The Swans were given a huge scare in the dying moments when former skipper Ashley Williams was inches away from converting Kevin Mirallas’ flick-on, and the Liberty breathed a huge sigh of relief on the final whistle.