Monk: I couldn't be prouder

Garry Monk praised his side for their "magnificent" performance after they ran out 3-0 victors in the second South Wales derby of the season.

In his first game in charge of the Swans, Monk tasted derby success as his side ran riot in the second-half, putting three past their rivals Cardiff City.

Wayne Routledge gave the hosts the lead just after the midway point, running through onto Pablo Hernandez' well-timed through ball before slotting past David Marshall.

The Swans winger then turned from scorer into creator when he crossed for Nathan Dyer to head home Swansea's second.

With just five minutes left on the clock, Wilfried Bony made it three for the Swans when he powered a trademark header into the top corner from Hernandez's free-kick cross.

Speaking after the game, Monk was full of pride with his side's performance.

"It was great," beamed Monk. "I couldn't have asked for more. Those boys were magnificent today, and there probably isn't a prouder person of them than me.

"I remember winning against Cardiff as a player, but this has to be the best. 

"There's nothing more satisfying than seeing something you've been working hard on all week come off on the pitch.

"We were all focused on the game. The training this week was designed so the players didn't have to think about anything but football. It was sharp and intense. 

"And that was exactly what they were; they were magnificent and thoroughly deserved the win.

"During the first-half, we did ok. We just needed to quicken the passing and the gaps would come.

"We brought on Pablo, who gives that extra bit of vision. Marvin was excellent, but he's a different type of player. 

"Pablo looks for little gaps and is clever, while Marvin is dynamic, quick and can get beyond the striker.

"Thankfully, both of them did the jobs I asked of them. The ball from Pablo for Routledge's goal was magnificient, and that goal set us on our way."

Meanwhile, Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had no complaints with his side's defeat, stating the second goal as the pivortal point.

"Up to the second goal, I felt we were in the game," explained Solskjaer.

"I felt we did well, creating some spaces, but their first goal obviously lifted everyone.

"We responded well, but after the second goal it was game over.

"It hurts, especially losing this sort of game, but we have to bounce back against Aston Villa."