Vitor Matos | This was a massive step for us

Head coach Vitor Matos felt his Swansea City side had taken a massive step in their development with the manner of their 2-0 victory over Stoke City at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The hosts extended their unbeaten run in SA1 to 10 league games, securing eight wins and 26 points during that sequence.

The opening 45 minutes were a breathless affair, with both sides having chances. Stoke had a goal correctly disallowed for offside, and saw Sorba Thomas sent off for a second yellow card just a few moments later.

Swansea took the lead when Zan Vipotnik met a Josh Tymon corner to head home his 19th goal of the season.

Liam Cullen capped off the win with a stunning goal from distance, spotting Tommy Simkin loitering near the edge of his area and sending the ball floating over the keeper's head in stoppage time.

Matos and his players had wanted a reaction following defeat at Ipswich, and the Portuguese felt his side had taken a significant step forward with their level of concentration and accuracy across the 90 minutes.

"I think it was a good game," he said. 

"We started the game really aggressively, with real intensity and a very good positional game.

"The pressing was good, the counter-pressing was good, and our concentration level was really good, as was our accuracy.

"Of course the red card tipped the balance of the game in our favour, but that does not mean it is easy. You still have to have the right structure, the right mindset, and to continue to have the right focus and accuracy.

"That shows the character and mentality we wanted, I think it was a massive step for us in terms of quality, particularly after the last game. After that, we wanted to make a statement and I thought the boys were brilliant.

"The second goal was brilliant and perfectly summarised a beautfiul performance."