Laudrup: "We deserved more"

10th November

Michael Laudrup praised the efforts of his side, saying they "deserved more" after they drew 3-3 with Stoke City at the Liberty Stadium.


The Swans put in a magnificent second-half performance to come back from two goals down, but the hammer blow moment came when referee Robert Madley awarded the visitors a penalty with seconds left on the clock.


After Jonathan Walters and Steven Ireland put Stoke two up before the half-time break, a goal from substitute Nathan Dyer and a brace from Wilfried Bony gave Michael Laudrup's side the lead with only four minutes left of normal time.


But in the fifth minute of added time, the referee awarded Stoke a penalty for an alleged handball by Wayne Routledge, which Charlie Adam coolly converted.


After such a valiant effort, Laudrup felt his players were dealt a cruel blow in the dying seconds.



"I just feel so sorry for my players," said Laudrup. "After being two goals down, we pinned Stoke back in their own half, and we continued to play and create chances.


"We scored three goals in the second-half but then this happens in the last minute.


"I always defend the referee or the linesman because they are human and they can make mistakes.


"In every game when there is a possible handball, there are always players who try to do something to make the referee give the decision.


"But there were seven Stoke players in the box and none of them asked for a penalty, but the referee saw it."


The single point takes the Swans up to 13th in the Barclays Premier League, but Laudrup believes his side deserved so much more from the game.


He added: "If I thought the players deserved to win on Thursday, they deserved it even more today.


"Even in the first half, we played good football. They scored the first goal when we were a man down with Ashley Williams injured.


"We then went 2-0 down, and from there it was up hill.


"In the second-half, we played only in one half. I don't remember Gerhard having to make any saves in the second-half.


"We scored three goals, which would have made it a fantastic win.


"Overall, from what I saw of the players today - with and without the ball - it was really great. They showed great character, which they have shown many times.


"There were so many good things today. I can only repeat that I feel sorry for them that they only gain one point instead of three."


Meanwhile, Stoke City boss Mark Hughes understands Swansea's disappointment and, despite being two goals up, felt that today's result was a point gained for his side.


"I can understand why Swansea feel a little bit aggrieved, but those things can go for or against you," said Hughes.


"I felt we were excellent in the first-half. We knew there would be a response from Swansea in the second-half, and I am disappointed we didn't deal with that response.


"But at the end of the day, we will look back at this game as a good point, considering the circumstances."