Monk rues missed chances

16th March

Garry Monk felt his side paid the price for missed chances as the Swans suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.
Despite Swansea enjoying the better share of the opportunities, a somewhat fortuitous Jordan Henderson goal helped Liverpool take home maximum points in SA1.
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafe Gomis both saw strikes saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet during a frenetic first period.
But Brendan Rodgers' side were much improved after the break, and they took the lead when Jordi Amat's attempted clearance was deflected past Lukasz Fabianski by Henderson.
In an attempt to find a way back into the game, Monk introduced Jefferson Montero and Marvin Emnes late on, but the visitors were able to hold on for victory.
And the Swans boss felt his side were made to rue missed opportunities during an impressive first-half performance.


"During the first half we were superb and dominated the game," said Monk. "We played some fantastic stuff.
"But I felt it was an opportunity missed. We had some good chances in the first half and should have scored one or two.  Unfortunately we didn't capitalise on that, and it cost us.
"When you don't take your chances, a side like Liverpool will come back into the game.
"They didn't create too many chances, but we were a bit sloppy with our passing and we seemed to get a little tired.
"It was a fortunate goal, but I thought it might take something like that to break the deadlock. They're a quality side, and when you're on a good run, things like that tend to go for you."
But Monk felt there were positives to take from the game despite the defeat.
"We played really well," he added. "During the first half we played some of our best football.
"If we continue to perform like we did in the first half, we will be able to achieve what we want to this season in the remaining games.
"I'm disappointed for the players, who put a lot of effort in, stuck at it and showed a lot of commitment. We deserved something from the game tonight."
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rodgers was pleased with his side's win after a testing first period.


"It was a wonderful demonstration of character and resilience of the team," said Rodgers. "We weren't anywhere near it during the first half, but we were better in the second half and dominated the game.
"You have to give credit to Swansea, who played well and Simon had to make two good saves in the first half.
"Overall, it's a great, great victory for us at a difficult place to come."