Ryan Manning | Sloppy errors cost us

Ryan Manning pointed to lapses at key moments as being decisive in Swansea City’s defeat to Reading on Saturday.

Russell Martin’s side were edged out in a five-goal thriller at the Swansea.com Stadium, despite Jamie Paterson’s early opener and Manning’s first goal for the club.

Paterson slotted home after three minutes, but Reading were back on level terms just a minute later through Tom Dele-Bashiru.

The Royals led at the break following Andy Carroll’s goal, but Manning’s stunning right-footed volley levelled the game once more.

But the Swans were behind again a minute later as Danny Drinkwater fired home past former Leicester City team-mate Ben Hamer after Dele-Bashiru had struck the post.

That proved to be the difference, though the Swans went close to equalising once more on a number of occasions, only to see Kyle Naughton, Matt Grimes and Olivier Ntcham denied.

And Manning felt the defensive lapses proved costly during a frustrating afternoon and what was only the Swans’ second home league defeat.

“Looking back on the game, we were sloppy at certain times,” said Manning.

“To twice concede a minute or so after we had scored is disappointing for us. We can’t afford to let that happen if we want to be in the place in the table that we want to be.

“We want to keep this place as much of a fortress as possible, and want teams to come here not expecting to get anything. So for us to come away without even a point is disappointing for us.

“We’ve got a week to prepare for Middlesbrough, so we’ll regroup and go again.”