Laudrup pleased with "huge win"
Michael Laudrup was pleased with his side's "huge win" after his side beat Fulham 2-0 at the Liberty to move into the top half of the Barclays Premier League.
Jonjo Shelvey gave the Swans the lead in the 61st minute before Chico Flores doubled the home side's advantage 15 minutes from time.
After a tense first-half, the Swans cranked up the pressure early on in the second and were rewarded for their efforts when Shelvey's deflected shot found the back of the net, just past the hour mark.
Having hit the bar earlier on in the game, the English midfielder struck again from long range, but this time saw his shot deflect in off of both Steven Sidwell and Brede Hangeland before nestling in the bottom corner of the visitors' net.
The opening goal settled Laudrup's side and they extended their lead when Chico's glancing header went in off of Dimitar Berbatov after Jonathan de Guzman delivered a superb ball into the box.
Tonight's victory was Swansea's first league win since beating Newcastle 3-0 in early December, and Laudrup is hoping his side can kick on from here.
"It's a huge win," said the Swans boss. "Firstly, because it's quite some games since we have won and second because it was against a direct opponent.
"The win gives more confidence. We go into the next game with two consecutive wins. That must give the players that belief that we are moving forward.
"We have seen the development of the squad from the first-half against Birmingham, which was terrible, then a little more relaxed in the second-half.
"Today we were better in the first-half, then very good in the second-half.
"We played a little too short passing in the first-half and not enough movement.
"I got the impression that Fulham came here to take a point, defending with a lot of bodies, so it was crucial to score the first goal.
"After the goal we dominated quickly, and if it wasn't for their keeper we could have scored more.
"We have four more games against direct coming up, and every game is a six pointer. When you play direct opponents it's even more important to get a win."
Laudrup was also pleased to welcome back four first-team players into the fold as the likes of Nathan Dyer, Jonjo Shelvey, Jonathan de Guzman and Angel Rangel all returned from injury for this evening's game.
He added: "Overall, I am also pleased that some injured players came back.
"In the last three weeks we have had only 13 first-team players fit. Today we had four back.
"Maybe we can even look forward to getting Michu and Michel [Vorm] back very soon."
