Monk: Let's turn performances into points

5th November

Garry Monk is hoping his side can translate the positives from recent performances into a victory over Norwich City on Saturday (3pm, November 7).

The Swans make the trip to Carrow Road aiming to bounce back from last weekend's 3-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.

Despite the loss, Monk's men impressed during a thrilling first half against the Gunners but were made to rue missed chances in the second period.

However, Monk saw enough from his side during last weekend's clash with the Premier League high-flyers - and indeed during the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa a fortnight ago - to believe that results will improve.



"In our last two games we've shown good periods and shown that we're getting back to what we're good at," said Monk.

"I thought against Arsenal, for the first 50 to 60 minutes, we played some of our best football this season.

"The Aston Villa game showed the determination and quality of our defending, as well as the unity we have here.

"You always have periods during a season where you're not at your best performance levels, but during the last two games I've seen a lot of positives to show that we're coming back to our best level.

"We understand results are the be all and end all, but if we continue to work as we are doing and show our best level in our next few games, we will see the right results."

Following last weekend's defeat, the Swans currently sit in 13th position in the Premier League, while newly-promoted Norwich are three positions below Monk's men in 16th.

The Canaries will also be eager for a return to winning ways on the back of four straight defeats in the top-flight, with their most recent loss coming against Manchester City last weekend (2-1).

But Monk has been impressed with the performances of Saturday's opponents under the management of his former team-mate Alex Neil and expects another tough encounter.

"I know Alex really well - I played with him while I was on loan at Barnsley. 

He's gone on to do exceptionally well. He started his managerial career very early, and to go to Noriwch and get them promoted in the way that he did. He's done an excellent job.

"I am very happy for him, but hopefully he won't be too happy on Saturday.

"It will be a tough game with the crowd and the situation they are in, but we have to be ready for that, and we've prepared the players for it. 

"There are no easy games in this league, but what's important is we focus on what we are good at, have the courage to play our way and impose ourselves.

"We've worked in a good way this week, so hopefully we can take that into the game."