Liam Cullen | That’s one of the best feelings I’ve had in football
Swansea City striker Liam Cullen savoured the moment after he realised his dream of scoring in front of the Jack Army on home turf in the 4-0 victory over Watford at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Cullen had already set up Joel Piroe for the opener when he was in the right place to sweep the ball into the net to make it 2-0 after Harry Darling had seen a volley blocked.
Piroe also scored the third of the night - taking his tally to eight for the season - before Joel Latibeaudiere chipped in with the final flourish as he finished off a fine passing move to help the Swans sign of 2022 in perfect fashion.
After eight games without a victory, it was an impressive performance from the Swans against the Hornets – who had been fifth at kick off - and for Cullen it marked his third goal in three games after coming off the bench to score against Coventry City and Reading.
But, more importantly, it was his first goal in front of the Swans fans in SA1, with his previous goals at the Swansea.com Stadium having come when the pandemic prevented supporters from attending games.
“It’s my first goal in front of the fans because I came through when we were playing behind closed doors,” he said
“This is something I’ve wanted to do since I started kicking a football around. Since I’ve been watching the side from when I was a kid, I’ve just wanted to score in front of the fans at this stadium. It’s one of the best feelings I’ve had in football.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I haven’t had many opportunities recently but I’ve been training hard every day and waiting for that chance.
“I was desperate to get that chance and do well when I got it. Luckily, I’ve taken the chance and I just want to kick on now and keep doing what I’m doing.
“It was the perfect end to the year for the team.
“Obviously we’ve been through a tough spell of late but the boys have belief in what we do and it was just the fine details that we needed to iron out.
“It all came together with a 4-0 win, a clean sheet, and a goal and assist for myself, which I’m buzzing with.
“When you’re going through a tough spell, the most important thing is to stick to what you’re doing, believe in what you’re doing. We did that – like we always do – and it’s come off the way we wanted.”
Cullen started alongside Piroe and with both forwards getting on the scoresheet, the Wales Under-21 international hopes that the pair will be able to line up together a lot more in in 2023.
“Joel gives you the same every game,” he said.
“He just makes it so easy for the players around him, things you do with the ball, his movement, the way he presses, he does a lot for the team.
“Hopefully we can keep playing together in the future.”