Monk rues missed chances
31st October
Garry Monk felt his side were made to pay for missed chances as the Swans suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium.
Second half goals from Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Joel Campbell earned the Gunners the all-important three points in South Wales, but the Swans will feel the scoreline reflects harshly following an impressive first-half showing.
Monk's men enjoyed a positive opening 45 minutes but were unable to capitalise on their promising display as Bafe Gomis was unable to convert when sent through one-on-one with Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, while Cech was then on hand to deny a Gomis header later in the half.
Giroud headed home the opener for the visitors three minutes into the restart, before Koscielny and and Campbell added to Arsene Wenger's side's lead.
And whilst acknowledging the positives of his side's performance, Monk rued the missed chances of Swansea's impressive first-half display.
"We're disappointed to lose the game," said Monk. "It's hard because there were a lot of positives, especially the first half. We were the better team, created chances and played good football.
"The intention was there straight away. We had Arsenal on the back foot for the first half and should have taken our chances.
"I thought the effort and commitment from my players was great, but you need to take those opportunities when you're on top.
"The first two goals were mistakes from ourselves, and you can't do that against any team, especially a team like Arsenal.
"They were poor goals from our point of view, and it was an uphill task from there.
"It's a shame because we played so well. I think three-nil flatters Arsenal.
I feel for the players because that first half was much more like ourselves. We were aggressive and on the front foot.
"We need to take the positives from today into games against teams in and around us."
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Wenger was pleased with his side's victory on the back of losing both home and away fixtures to the Swans last season.
"It's always a difficult game," said Wenger. "We came here a bit edgy. They showed quality again today and are a good side.
"We had a difficult first half; it took us a while to get into the tempo of the game.
"Once we scored the first goal, we were the dominant team and were able to win the game normally."
