Monk pleased with Swans spirit

Garry Monk praised his side for the "spirit" they showed to come from two goals down and earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

After the Cherries took a two-goal lead through Joshua King and Dan Gosling inside 30 minutes, goals from Andre Ayew and Jonjo Shelvey rescued a point for Monk's side.

In a frenetic first period at the Liberty Stadium, King tapped home the opener on nine minutes before Gosling doubled the visitors' advantage midway through the first period.

The Swans responded to the early setbacks, though, as Ayew skilfully pulled one back on 28 minutes before Shelvey hauled the Swans level shortly before half-time from the penalty spot.

Despite growing in confidence in the second period, Monk's men were unable to score the elusive winner, but the Swans boss was proud of his players' reaction to their early setbacks.

"Considering we were two goals down, i have to give credit to the players for the spirit they showed," said Monk. "I think it was a point gained.

"Going two goals down added to the tension and anxiety within the crowd, which affects the players a little bit. It's quite natural for them to feel tension considering the situation that we are in.

"But the reaction deserves massive credit. It showed the spirit within the squad and their work ethic. We could have easily capitulated, but we did well to come back.

"It was a difficult game for both teams. The first 20 minutes of the second half Bournemouth were strong without really creating anything, then in the last 15 minutes we were the strongest.

 

"It's the confidence with the ball that is lacking right now. We need to bring the players' confidence with the ball back, and that brightness and sharpness.

"It's down to winning though, because that breeds confidence. If we can put a run of results together now, that confidence will come back."

Meanwhile, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was delighted with his side's performance but felt frustration having surrendered a two-goal lead.

"I'm very proud of the players," reflected Howe. "I thought we were excellent right from the start. The only disappointment is that when you go two goals up, you expect to win.

"Swansea had two chances after we went a goal ahead, and then scored after our second, which is perhaps the only disappointment.

"The result is all-important, but I'm very pleased with the players."