Skipper hails "lethal" Bony

Swans skipper Ashley Williams has hailed "lethal" Wilfried Bony for reaching the 20-goal mark, and then highlighted his outstanding defensive contribution.

The Ivory Coast international headed the Swans into the lead at Arsenal on Tuesday night in a game they would eventually claim a point from thanks to an 89th-minute Mathieu Flamini own goal.

It was Bony's 11th strike in the Barclays Premier League, with the club-record signing beating Thomas Vermaelen to Neil Taylor's cross before heading into the corner of the net.

And while the striker's performances in front of goal have really caught the eye, Williams also pinpointed his defensive capabilities as a key component in the Swans' gameplan.

"We love him in this team. He's a very big character in the group and he's scored some critical goals," said the Swans skipper.

"The goal at Arsenal was brilliant. It went through a lot of players before we worked it to Tayls, and he put in a great cross for Bony.

"Wilf has done so well in firstly winning the ball and then tucking it into the corner of the net.

"Every time we put a cross in for Wilf we almost expect him to score because he's so good in the air.

"But he's as lethal in our own box as he is in the opponent's box. He gives us that extra bit of security because he heads so many crosses out of our box. It's something we've lacked in my time at Swansea.

"So we're so happy to have him in our team. He really showed his all-round importance for us at Arsenal. Whether it was defensive headers, holding play up or getting onto the scoresheet - he did that."

Swans head coach Garry Monk also showered the striker with praise.

He added: "He was magnificent - he was a beast. He put himself about - that's what he's about right there. Sometimes you see in a player's eyes how much they want it, and he wanted to lead us at Arsenal. It was a very good performance."