Monk's pride in Swans despite defeat

Garry Monk was full of pride for his Swansea City side despite their 4-2 defeat to Manchester City in a thrilling encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

In an engrossing 90 minutes, the Swans were unfortunate to come away with nothing as former Swans striker Wilfried Bony scored on his return to SA1.

After seeing a host of early chances go begging, the Swans found themselves trailing by two in the first half following goals from Yaya Toure and James Milner.

But after a stunning effort from Gylfi Sigurdsson on the cusp of half-time, in-form striker Bafe Gomis levelled for the Swans with an emphatic finish just past the hour-mark.

Despite Swansea's best efforts to complete a remarkable comeback, Yaya Toure restored the visitors' lead with a powerful finish on 74 minutes, before Bony, who received a raucous reception from the Jack Army, slotted home Man City's fourth in added time.

And in spite of defeat, Monk praised his side for the character they showed in coming from behind and going toe-to-toe with an "excellent" side.

"I'm disappointed to lose the game, but extremely proud of my team for the character and persistence we showed again. 

"We tried to push and had our moments in the game. We could have managed periods when they were on top better, but we were playing against an excellent side.

"We went toe-to-toe with them. We showed that we could do that and were unlucky.  Hart made a few world class saves. Had they have gone in, we would have got something from the game. 

"We pushed to the very end and had some great chances, but they were clinical.

"As I said, I'm disappointed to lose the game, but no player deserves criticism today. The effort, commitment and quality they showed today could have got us a result.

"But I'm very proud of the players, the staff and the fans. Everyone has been excellent this season.

"It shows what a strong group we have and how we are growing. Our mentality is strong, we don't fold."

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini heaped praise on the Swans after a "beautiful game" this afternoon.

"It was a beautiful game for fans," said Pellegrini. "Swansea always play attractive, attacking football.

"They are a difficult team because they have important technical players.

"But I knew that we would find spaces because they needed to win to fight for a place in Europe.

"I congratulate Swansea on a great season. I like the way they play and the managers who like to play in this way.

"If they continue with the same work, they will continue to improve."