Garry Monk hails squad's positive mentality

Garry Monk hailed his side's "inner belief" as they came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at a rain-soaked Liberty Stadium.

The Swans completed a sensational comeback as goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafe Gomis cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's second-half opener.

The Chile international put the Gunners ahead just past the hour-mark when Sanchez struck home from close range following Danny Welbeck's cutback.

But the Swans hit back in style as Sigurdsson curled home a spectacular free-kick from 30 yards, before substitute Bafe Gomis headed the winner just three minutes later.

Victory this afternoon means Monk's men rise to fifth in the Barclays Premier League, and the Swans boss believes his side's positive mentality was the key reason behind the result.

"I'm very pleased," said Monk. "We had some unfortunate injuries in the week to key players, but it takes a squad to compete in this league.

"Everyone that was involved today, as well as the injured players that weren't, have that inner belief, which is what carried us to victory today.

"To a man, they were magnificent. They all worked for each other and showed belief even when a goal down.  

"It was an even game, but we grew stronger from the moment we scored the equaliser. We really seized the initiative.

"Gylfi scored a great free-kick, the crowd were with us and we had confidence.

"We were disappointed to go a goal behind, but we showed the character we have in the squad to come back.

"Against a very dangerous team in Arsenal, I felt we got a deserved win.

"We're very happy going into the international break with those points. We've got belief in ourselves, and I think that shows in our performances."

Meanwhile, Monk was keen to reserve praise for second-half substitutes Gomis and Modou Barrow, who made his Swans debut this afternoon.

"Bafe got his reward tonight," insisted Monk. "He's very much a team man and has been very patient. 

"I think you could see in his celebration that he was very emotional after scoring. He's a great guy to have around, works very hard in training and he deserves that goal.

On Barrow, he added: "I moved him up into the first-team for the last two months, and we've been working very hard with him. He has a lot of potential.

"He still has a lot to learn, but he's one of those players who has no fear. He came straight on and tried to be direct and use his pace to cause trouble."

In contrast to Monk, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was dissatisfied with his side's performance on the back of a disappointing week for the Gunners.

"We were quite in control, but at 1-0 up we allowed them back into the game by losing some challenges in the middle of the park," said Wenger.

"It's unfortunate to lose a game like that, but we didn't play for 90 minutes with the right rigorous attitude.

"Swansea fought to the end, so you have to give them credit. They are a good team."