'Play like that and we'll get out of trouble'

Paul Clement reckons Swansea City showed the qualities that will get them out of trouble in their goalless draw with Bournemouth.

The Swans produced a spirited performance to end their four-game Premier League losing streak.

But there was frustration for the hosts over the failure to take all three points.

The Swans thought they had taken the lead just before half-time only for Wilfried Bony’s neat finish to be chalked off because referee Stuart Attwell felt Jordan Ayew had fouled Nathan Ake in the build-up.

Clement’s men then upped the tempo in the second period, and missed a golden chance to win it late on through Leroy Fer.

The Swans manager was encouraged by a much-improved display – and frustrated by Attwell’s contribution.

“I was pleased with the spirit, the determination and the enthusiasm we showed today,” Clement said.

“We are not really, really happy because we didn’t win, but I am happy with a lot of the things I saw.

“I saw a team fighting, committed and giving everything to try to get a result.

“I actually thought some of our football in spells was good, especially in the second half.

“We were in total control – all we needed was a finish. Leroy had an opportunity late on. It wasn’t from the best angle and the keeper was in a good position, but the rebound was probably the better chance. Unfortunately, it didn’t go in.

“But that was our best home performance this season. There will be games where we play worse and win. If we continue to build on that level, we will get out of trouble, no doubt about that.”

The Swans had an appeal for a penalty right at the end when Tammy Abraham went down under Adam Smith’s challenge, but Clement felt Attwell was right to say no.

That did not stop him expressing frustration with the referee, however.

“I thought in real time that the disallowed goal was a soft decision,” Clement said.

“If it’s in between the boxes, the game would have carried on.

“That’s what I saw in real time and, having seen the video, I stand by my first opinion.

“Jordan Ayew and Nathan Ake are fighting for the position as the ball came in. They came together and Ake fell over because Jordan was too strong for him.

“The ball dropped to Bony and he produced a good finish. It should have been 1-0.

“I thought the referee had a really poor game. He wasn’t up to speed.

“There was another incident right in front of us when a trailing arm caught Roque Mesa in the head and split his head open.

“That wasn’t even given as a foul, yet that was a much stronger, much more aggressive challenge than the one that was given as a foul on the disallowed goal.”