Matt Grimes | We deserved the win, it shows what we can do

Skipper Matt Grimes was delighted with Swansea City’s first away win since November and felt they had shown what they can be capable of with a convincing 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

The Swans had to be patient in a game they had the better of for long periods with goals not coming until the 79th and 84th minutes for Joel Piroe and Cyrus Christie respectively.

But it was a well-deserved three points for Russell Martin’s side with goalkeeper Andy Fisher largely untroubled across the 90 minutes.

Midfielder Grimes was quick to praise the side’s defensive effort especially after shipping seven goals in the previous two away matches.

“It was a good win,” Grimes said.

“I thought we kept the ball well and I thought we defended really well too.

"We had a couple of scary moments but whenever they had any momentum, we rode the storm and I thought we dominated the game and thoroughly deserved the win.

“It’s good to get a win on the road. The last couple of away performances have been really poor and we knew that we only had ourselves to blame for that.

"We had a good week’s work in training and put some ideas out on the pitch. We showed what we can do in that game.

“The clean sheet was massive, too. It was so important to come here and make sure we were back to our solid ways and not conceding chances like we did in those past two games.

"We were so poor in those games so it was good to bounce back here.”

Olivier Ntcham’s introduction two minutes before the opening goal proved decisive as the Frenchman made an instant impact, driving down the left and picking out Piroe with a ball cut back to the edge of the penalty area.

Korey Smith, another late substitute, also made his presence felt as his first act of the game was to step over a cross to allow it to go all the way through to Christie, who fired beyond Sam Johnstone.

Evidence then that every member of the squad has a key role to play in achieving the Swansea's short and long-term goals..

“Olivier would be disappointed that he wasn’t starting – as anyone would – but he’s come off the bench, done his job, contributed with the assist for Joel and I thought he was brilliant,” Grimes added.

“It’s not just about the starting XI it’s about the lads on the bench and the ones who aren’t in the squad too. They’re pushing us every single day and we’re making each other the best that we can be.

“There is a unity. It’s a great group and we’re all in it for each other.

“The fans were incredible as they always are. It was nice to give them something to cheer about after three really poor away performances. I hope they enjoyed it and it’s our job to keep it going now.”