Monk hails "mammoth" effort
8th August
Garry Monk hailed his side's "mammoth" effort after the Swans battled to a well-earned 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
In a frenetic season opener at Stamford Bridge, Andre Ayew scored on his Barclays Premier League debut while Bafe Gomis converted from the penalty spot to get the Swans off the mark in 2015-16.
After a fast opening to proceedings, the hosts edged in front as Oscar's free-kick into the box evaded everyone before nestling into the bottom corner, before Ayew showed quick feet to capitalise on Bafe Gomis' rebounding effort and fire home the equaliser.
Chelsea wasted little time to restore their advantage as Willian's cross fortuitously deflected off Federico Fernandez and into the net, just 90 seconds after Swansea's leveller.
But the Swans equalised for the second time after the interval when Bafe Gomis scored from the penalty box after Thibaut Courtois was sent off for fouling the striker inside the box.
Monk's side had chances to win the game late on, but the Swans boss was more than satisfied with his side's superb effort.
"I thought for 90 minutes we were excellent," said Monk. "We set the team up to be offensive. There were periods where we had to defend well, but the best chances fell to us and we got the result we deserved.
"The message was to show what we can do on the front foot at a place like this. The football we played at times was excellent and we created many chances.
"In our first game - at the home of the champions - we got on the front foot and reacted well to going behind.
"It's about the entire team today. All the players ran themselves into the ground, and it was a mammoth effort.
"But it's just one game. We need to take this into the rest of the season.
"We suffered in the two games we played against Chelsea last season, so hopefully it gives the players confidence."
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with his side's first half display but admitted Courtois' red card made it difficult for them to achieve the result they wanted.
"I think we played very well first half," insisted Mourinho. "The team was confident, even when they equalised.
"The red card changed everything. When you try to win with one player less, you expose yourself more.
"We fought in the second half because I never play for a draw at home. A draw is only good in special circumstances.
"It's a bad result, but I am happy with the quality we showed in the first half and the spirit in the second half."
