Martin hails impact of substitutes in Swansea City win

1st October
First team
West Brom cele

Russell Martin hailed the impact of substitutes Michael Obafemi and Olivier Ntcham in victory at West Bromwich Albion, and revealed he had told the Swansea City striker the situation was made for him to net a late winner.

Those words proved prophetic as Obafemi did just that, working a yard of space to turn and find the far corner after excellent work by Ntcham and Matt Grimes.

Ntcham had earlier brought the Swans level – having been 2-1 down – with a superb solo goal, and his pass for the winner in the 3-2 success meant he had an assist to go with it.

And head coach Martin was delighted with the impact they had made, and also mentioned the contribution of Ben Cabango, who was suffering with illness but played his part in a thrilling win.

"I spoke to Michael just before he came on," said Martin.

West Brom away Olivier Ntcham

"I said 'it's written for you if you really want it, the fans are singing for you, you've had a great week with Ireland, this is the moment, this is the time'.

“The fans certainly helped that and that will have done Michael the world of good, as it will have done for Olivier.

“We have not quite seen the best of Olivier so far this season, but he was outstanding today.

“He got made angry shortly after he came on, so maybe we need to look at making Olivier angry most weeks!

“He was great, so I am pleased for those guys and I want to mention Ben Cabango, who did not feel well overnight.

“But he said he was good enough to play and he is a warrior with a great mentality.

“The group has to keep going and keep improving.”