Laudrup: "We deserved more"
Michael Laudrup felt his side deserved "at least a point" after the Swans were edged out 2-1 by Everton in the Barclays Premier League.
Ross Barkley's sublime late free-kick ensured the Swans go yet another game without a win against the Toffees, after a Bryan Oviedo own goal put Laudrup's side back on terms, following Seamus Coleman's 66th minute opener.
After a goalless first-half at the Liberty, Coleman put Everton in front with a stunning 25-yard effort, before Dwight Tiendalli latched onto an inviting Ben Davies cross to volley a shot that deflected off of Oviedo into the far corner of the net.
But the heartbreaking moment came when Barkley curled a stunning 25-yard free-kick in off of the bar after McCarthy was fouled by Ben Davies.
The Swans nearly equalised for a second time right at the death when Roland Lamah struck a 20-yard volley at goal, only to be denied by a fantastic diving save from Tim Howard.
After the game, Laudrup couldn't hide his disappointment with the fact that his side came away with zero points but praised his players for their efforts.
"I think we deserved more," said the Great Dane. "The first half was a tight game between two sides who are used to having a lot of the ball.
"We were aggressive every time we lost the ball, without having many chances.
"The second half was more or less the same, but then they went in front with a strike from distance. We bounced back and wanted something out of the game.
"Maybe the most disappointing thing was that I felt they were settling for the draw with the two late changes they made - they took off two offensive players and replaced them with two midfielders.
"We tried to get the winner, but then they got it through a free-kick.
"I think we deserved at least a point, but we didn't get it, so we have to accept it, even though it's not easy.
"The players did really well. They showed a great attitude against a very good side, who are one of the most in-form teams at the moment.
"For me, it was a important game because of the philosophy of both teams, to see what we can do against a team who play the same way - more or less.
"They are much more experienced, but it was interesting to see how we could compete with them. I think we did great. In more than one sense, it was a special game for us."
Meanwhile, Everton boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with his side's victory in what he believes was their biggest away test of recent weeks.
"We have had three very difficult away games," explained the former Swans player and manager. "We went to Old Trafford, to the Emirates and then, today, we came here.
"Coming to the Liberty, I knew it would be the biggest of the tests. To come here, if you aren't 100 per cent when you haven't got the ball, Swansea will punish you.
"I thought it was a real test for us. Without being at our best, we have won the game.
"In many aspects, we kept Swansea quiet. To be concentrating the way we did, throughout the 90 minutes, is very pleasing.
"Swansea have the right to be challenging for the top ten positions. I think they look confident and that they are enjoying playing at this level. It is pleasing for me to see from afar."
