Monk pleased to reach 40-point mark

Garry Monk was happy to tick off his side's first target of the season after a 1-0 victory at Burnley took the Swans to the 40-point mark in the Barclays Premier League.

In a game where chances were few and far between for both sides, a 64th-minute Kieran Trippier own goal proved the difference at Turf Moor.

Lukasz Fabianski, who kept his 10th clean sheet of the season, prevented a certain goal with a great save to deny Ashley Barnes from point blank range in the first half, while Wayne Routledge and Bafe Gomis had opportunities for the Swans.

But the breakthrough came just past the hour-mark when Jack Cork's initial effort was tipped onto the bar by Tom Heaton before his follow-up shot was bundled over the line by Trippier.

The hard-fought three points takes the #Swans to 40 points in the top flight after 27 games and into eighth place. 

And Monk is hoping his side can push on to achieve their best ever total in the Premier League after reaching their first target.

"40 points is the first port of call for any club, especially those outside the big clubs," said the Swans boss. 

"It was the initial target for us, to try and get there as soon as we could, and we've managed to do that now. 

"47 points is the best we've achieved in the Premier League as a total, so that is the next aim for us. We'll use that as extra motivation.

"If we can achieve that, it shows we are pushing on. It's important to show progression."

The Swans boss also praised his side for displaying the ability to adapt their game in difficult conditions at a windy Turf Moor this afternoon.

He added: "We knew today's game was never going to be easy. The conditions and the pitch made it difficult for both teams to play good football. 

"I've spoken about having to be adaptable as team - you have to show you can scrap out wins as well as play good football. We showed that today.

"There weren't too many chances for either side. When we got the goal, we didn't really look in danger. 

"The first goal was always going to be crucial, so thankfully we were the ones that got it."

Meanwhile, Burnley manager Sean Dyche felt disappointment after his side was edged out in a tight contest.

"I don't think that there was any difference between the two sides," said Dyche. "The margins are tight, but a soft goal from a corner was disappointing to concede.

"There was a flattish edge to both sides. Both teams were trying to win the game but without that added zip."