Fer: We can build from performance and point
11th September
Leroy Fer reckons Swansea City have given themselves something to build on after they claimed a point in a thrilling game against Chelsea.
After successive defeats against Hull City and champions Leicester, the Swans were in danger of losing a third Premier League game in a row after Chelsea controlled the first half at the Liberty Stadium.
The visitors led at the break thanks to Diego Costa's goal, but Francesco Guidolin's men levelled just before the hour when Gylfi Sigurdsson netted from the spot.
And just three minutes later, Fer scored his third goal of the season to put the Swans in front.
For a while it seemed Guidolin's side may hold on for a first home win of the campaign, but Costa's 81st-minute overheard kick gave Chelsea a point.
Despite the late leveller, the Swans were in positive mood having become the first team this season to deny Chelsea victory.
And Fer reckons they can build on a morale-boosting draw, starting next weekend at Southampton.
"It's a massive point for us and we have to take confidence from it and try to build on it in the next game," he said.
"There is some disappointment that we lost a lead, but I thought we came back strongly after going 1-0 down. Chelsea were better than us in the first half and they went ahead.
"At half-time we changed the system a little bit. We spoke about needing to lift ourselves up a bit and that's what we did.
"We said that we have to lift it up - no heads down and keep the confidence. I think we did that in the second half.
"We came back strongly, scoring two good goals. Unfortunately they equalised, but I think it's a good point for us."
Having been under the cosh for a while, the Swans were lifted by Sigurdsson's spot-kick, which came after a sharp counter-attack which Fer's fine pass started.
And having got their noses in front, the Swans played with more belief and intensity than they had showed during a difficult first period.
"Getting the first goal gave us a lift," Fer said. "Well done to Mo for picking out Gylfi, and well done Gylfi for finishing the penalty. We got the lift and got the second goal.
"Unfortunately they equalised, but we can build on this."
