Lapse in concentration proved costly, says Monk

7th November

Garry Monk felt a lapse in concentration and a lack of cutting edge in the final third cost his side dearly as the Swans suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Norwich City.

Jonny Howson's second-half goal was enough to separate the two sides in a game of few chances in East Anglia.

The Swans dominated possession for large periods at Carrow Road but, much like their opponents, struggled to create much in terms of goalscoring opportunities.

Monk's side's best chance came after the interval when Sigurdsson's first-time effort clipped the top of the crossbar, while Howson scored the winning goal on 70 minutes, tapping home from Dieumerci Mbokani's knockdown.

And Monk was left frustrated after watching his side dominate proceedings yet suffer defeat to the Canaries.



"It's very frustrating," admitted the Swans boss. "We were in total control up until their goal - although we weren't sharp enough in the final third.

"We knew they would be stubborn and work hard, and we spoke before the game about staying patient, manoeuvring the ball and waiting for our chance. 

"Unfortunately we weren't sharp enough in the final third, but again we got caught due to a lack of concentration, which is costing us dearly at the moment.

"[To concede from] any set piece is a soft goal. It's bitterly disappointing because it's cost us the game. 

"We looked the most likely to score with the control we had, but that lapse in concentration cost us."

The defeat in Norwich means the Swans slip to 14th in the Barclays Premier League. But following a difficult period for his side, Monk insists his side will stick together to improve results.

"We're the only ones who can get ourselves out of it," he added. "We have to stick together and work through it. We have the quality to do it.

"Whenever we have a difficult period, we stick together and come back and show our quality.

"We're fighters. This is what this club has been built on. We have a break now to work on things and to make sure we are ready for Bournemouth."