On This Day | Ton up for Graham

13th May
Club
Danny Graham Liverpool

Danny Graham’s 100th career goal saw Swansea City round off a fine debut Premier League season with victory over Liverpool on May 13, 2012.

The striker netted the winner four minutes from time at the Liberty – taking his tally for the campaign to 14 – as Brendan Rodgers’ side secured an impressive 11th-place finish.

There was a carnival atmosphere with many home fans dressed as Elvis to celebrate Swansea's first season in the Premier League.

Rodgers had sparked the fancy dress theme when reminding supporters that some pundits had said there was more chance of 'The King' being discovered alive and well than the Swans avoiding the drop.

Fans Elvis

The Swans controlled large parts of the first half and Gylfi Sigurdsson twice went close to opening the scoring.

Liverpool were much improved after the break with their best chance falling to Andy Carroll, whose overhead kick was well-saved by Michel Vorm.

The match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until the 86th minute, when Angel Rangel and Scott Sinclair combined down the right flank, before Graham calmly converted from close range.

Five years later, the Swans all but secured their Premier League status for a further season following a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Paul Clement’s side were on a three-match unbeaten run and took the lead after just nine minutes, as Fernando Llorente climbed to head home his 14th goal of the season.

And the points were secured in first-half stoppage time when Kyle Naughton broke his Swansea duck; driving a brilliant shot into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Jordan Pickford.

Survival would be confirmed the following day when Hull suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace.