Persistence paid off, says McBurnie

2nd March
First team

Oli McBurnie felt Swansea City’s persistence paid off as Graham Potter’s men made it seven home games unbeaten following a 2-0 win against nine-man Bolton.

Graham Potter’s side were made to work hard for their victory as the visitors battled bravely despite their numerical disadvantage following the first-half dismissal of Craig Noone and the 73rd minute sending off of centre-back David Wheater.

McBurnie, who had seen his first-half penalty saved by Remi Matthews, fired home the opening goal with just nine minutes left before sub Bersant Celina wrapped up victory in additional time.

And McBurnie believes his team-mates’ efforts were rewarded during a wet and windy contest in SA1.

“We knew what sort of game it was going to be. They were not going to be a side that came out and played expansive football,” said the striker.

“They were always going to sit back and try and pinch something from a set-piece - we knew we had to defend them well.

“We knew if we played our way we would be able to break them down.

“It was frustrating to miss the penalty in the first half but we kept going we felt we would get the breakthrough and in the end it was quite comfortable.

“It is always nice to get that second goal for a cushion. Bersant showed that he was the most composed man in the stadium with that finish.

“The penalty miss will annoy me but people forget about them when you get the win so we can focus on the positives today.

“Sometimes teams can make it harder for you when they have players sent off and it added to the challenge for us today.”