Potter: Another step forward

2nd October
First team

Graham Potter felt his developing Swansea City side took another step forward after they claimed a creditable goalless draw at Wigan Athletic.

The Swans continued their impressive run on the road, with this stalemate meaning they have lost just one defeat of six away games this season.

Wigan were denied victory on their own patch for only the second time in 2018-19 thanks to another spirited Swans display.

And in truth the visitors might have claimed all three points after creating a number of big opportunities to score.

Potter admitted there was a hint of frustration over what might have been mixed with the pleasure he could take from another positive performance.

“We played well, certainly in patches, and we created some good chances,” said the Swans boss.

“At times we played some really good football. We created probably as many chances as we have done all season.

“We have taken a step forward in that regard, while at the same time it’s another clean sheet for us.

“To be able to defend the box and not concede goals is a good quality to have.

“And if we can maintain the attacking output we had in this game, we will score goals and we will be okay.”

Wigan also had chances, most notably late on when an uncharacteristic Matt Grimes error sent Will Grigg clean through but Kristoffer Nordfeldt saved.

“They had some big moments as well,” Potter conceded.

“We are a little bit disappointed not to get three points but it’s another point on the board and a clean sheet and some good points for us to take forward into the next game.

“This is a challenging environment to come to – you only have to look at Wigan’s home record.

“But we were brave. We had an idea of what we wanted to do and we did it well, it was just a bit of quality let us down at times.”

Nordfeldt was recalled to the starting side despite the fact that Erwin Mulder has kept five clean sheets in his nine Swans appearances since the Swede picked up a groin injury in August.

When asked about the decision to make a change in goal, Potter said: “It’s important to have a group of players where everyone is fighting and ready to help the team.

“We have a three-game week and felt it was the right moment to use Kris’ attributes. We knew Wigan would play a high-pressing game and felt Kris could help us.

“Erwin has been great but we wanted to save him a little bit. He was disappointed but he accepted the decision. For me it’s good two have good goalkeepers.”