Melker Widell | That work-rate is a non-negotiable

Melker Widell felt Swansea City’s performance in victory over Burnley underlined the commitment and work ethic that is a “non-negotiable” part of the team’s identity.

Having suffered a 3-1 defeat at Southampton in midweek, the Swans responded to win by the same scoreline against the Clarets in SA1.

Two of the goals were reward for a willingness to chase what looked to be lost causes, with Adam Idah and Moussa Yeo the beneficiaries.

After Burnley had pulled a goal back through Largie Ramazani, the hosts responded to seal the win when Marko Stamenic sent Ronald racing through on goal, and the Brazilian unselfishly laid the ball off for Zan Vipotnik to slot home into an unguarded net.

Widell, who played on the flank, was among those who worked tirelessly with and without the ball, and he was deservedly chosen as man of the match.

And the Sweden international says that while the Swans will always want to play an attractive brand of football, it is only possible if they put the work in.

“We want to compete against the best,” he said.

“We played a really good team in midweek, and then you know this is going to be tough because Burnley are a good side who were in the Premier League last season.

“I feel like we are in a good moment, and it is super important to have that consistency, be tighter as a group and a squad and we are working for that every day.

“When you are in that moment, you just want to keep going and it was good to give the fans a win and three points.

“We worked really hard as a team, and I think if you are a football player for this club then that is the very least you can do. It is a bare minimum.

“Even if it is not your day on the ball, you can still do your part by working hard. I feel that is a non-negotiable.

“But a lot of things worked with the ball as well and that was a really good feeling.”