Early period proved costly, says Monk

Garry Monk was left disappointed as his side suffered their first defeat in four games with a 2-0 loss at Leicester City.

A rejigged Swans side, who were absent of the suspended Neil Taylor and injured Bafe Gomis, went down at the King Power Stadium following goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Andy King either side of half-time.

Following a bright start from the visitors, Ulloa opened the scoring for the Foxes with a low finish inside 15 minutes, before King secured victory for Nigel Pearson's side moments before the end, tapping home the rebound after Esteban Cambiasso's free-kick was spilled by Lukasz Fabianski.

The Swans showed moments of promise during the 90 minutes, but all-in-all struggled to match their performance level of recent weeks.

And Monk felt his side's start to the game ultimately proved costly.

"We weren't at our best today," admitted Monk. "The first half was probably where we really lost the game, especially during the first 20 minutes when we were outfought for the second balls. 

"We knew that early period would be crucial, when the crowd were really high. We wanted to come through that unscathed but conceded the goal, which we were disappointed with.

"We came back out in the second half and probably should have scored when Nelson went through, which could have changed the game. It was a good move, and it would have changed the atmosphere.

"I think we could have got something out of the game in the second half but it wasn't to be. These are the fine margins you play to.

"But credit to Leicester - they fought hard today and are in a good place. 

"Hopefully we can bounce back next week and make sure we beat our record points tally." 

Meanwhile, Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was pleased with his side's victory as they bid for Premier League survival.

"It's another very good win for us," said Pearson. "To achieve three wins on the trot at this stage of the season is a big plus for us.

"I was really pleased with our discipline and how we dealt with their change of formation.

"Ultimately, I felt the performance warranted the result."