Steve Cooper | The only thing missing from that performance was the three points

3rd November
First team
Steve Cooper Brentford

Steve Cooper was very happy with what he saw from his Swansea City side at Brentford, and admitted the only thing missing was the three points.

The Swans produced an excellent display in west London, and had control of proceedings for long periods on their first visit to the Brentford Community Stadium.

Andre Ayew, Kyle Naughton and Connor Roberts had all been denied by Bees keeper David Raya, before the hosts took the lead against the run of play through in-form striker Ivan Toney.

But the Swans persevered and got their reward when Andre Ayew turned in Matt Grimes’ cross with 13 minutes remaining.

It briefly looked as though the Ghanaian had won it at the death as he headed home a Roberts’ free-kick, but the flag was up for offside.

Nevertheless, there were a number of positives for head coach Cooper to take from this showing against last season’s beaten play-off finalists.

“There was not too much celebration when Andre headed in at the end as we saw the flag go up, but it was not just about that as we created enough chances in the game to win it,” said the Swansea boss.

“Their keeper made some brilliant saves first half, we got down the sides of them and made chances, and then got the goal in the second half.

Andre Ayew Brentford cele

“So, it is not about whether the free-kick was on or offside, it was about the chances we created in the game.

“I thought we were much the better team. If you think about it, Freddie has not had a save to make and the goal was something he could not do anything about.

“But I was pleased that, after going 1-0 down, we did not let it affect us. If anything it spurred us on, and we were excellent for the remainder of the game.

“I thought it was only a matter of time before we equalised and then, from that, go and win the game.

“I thought there was only going to be one winner in the game, that’s for sure, and it was going to be us.

“Unfortunately we did not quite get it, but performance-wise all we can be is pleased although you do come away a little frustrated you haven’t got the three points.”