A hammer blow for Swans, says Dwight
1st February
Dwight Tiendalli conceded the Swans failed to deal with West Ham's aerial threat as the hosts claimed a vital victory at Upton Park.
A brace from Kevin Nolan earned Sam Allardyce's side the points in East London despite Andy Carroll's second-half sending off.
Carroll had played a key role in both goals as he set up Nolan in the 26th minute and on the stroke of half-time.
The England international proved a thorn in the Swans' side before his dismissal, and Tiendalli admitted the Hammers were worthy winners.
"We knew it was going to be difficult with the way they play," said the Dutch right-back.
"They play from the back and knock it forward to Andy Carroll. Then they look to get the knockdown, but we had to be more alert and I think we could have done better in that aspect.
"We should have defended both goals far, far better. Both goals came from a second ball from Carroll but we didn't react to that.
"It was very important to keep possession, but we just didn't do that and it allowed them to come at us.
"And when they went a man down it was very difficult for us to break them down because they put everyone behind the ball.
"They defended very well, like they did against Chelsea, and we didn't manage to create any clear chances."
