Vitor Matos | We got the rewards for our excellent counter-press

Vitor Matos felt his Swansea City side got the rewards for their counter-pressing work after Jay Fulton’s strike gave them a hard-fought 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Fulton scored his first goal for 13 months when he fired a superb strike beyond Joe Wildsmith with 16 minutes remaining to make it four home wins in a row for the Swans.

It was also a fourth clean sheet in seven games, with Lawrence Vigouroux making a trio of vital saves in the second half and the hosts putting in another tireless effort without the ball.

And head coach Matos was full of praise for how his side rolled up their sleeves, with a Ronald challenge paving the way for the winner.

“We are very happy with the performance and the result,” he said.

“We had good periods in the game, in the first half we had more control but fewer clear opportunities.

“The pressing and counter-pressing was excellent, and the goal came from one of those situations and it is a brilliant goal from Jay. 

“I am really pleased for him, and that is what counter-pressing is about. It’s not only about the effort to win the ball back, it’s also about using it to make an offensive situation.

“That is something that is growing and it all starts with the counter-pressing which we want to use as a base to build something that is special.

“I am really happy with the boys, they are buying into these ideas and what we want to create. 

“There is a lot to come still, we play again in two days, so let’s keep going.”

Matos also hailed Fulton, whose previous goal had come in victory at Plymouth in November 2024, and praised the professionalism of the Scot, who has been with the club for a dozen years and made over 300 appearances.

“It was a worldy, a brilliant goal and I am so pleased for him,” he said.

“He has been outstanding with us, he has been an important player inside the dressing room with all his experience.

“I am really happy he could score this goal. I think he deserves it. In training he shows that a lot, so I am happy to see him now show it on the pitch.”

Matos also confirmed the Swans will await news on the injuries suffered by Josh Key and Ronald. Key was withdrawn at half-time after striking the underneath of Callum Styles' boot when delivering a cross, while Ronaldo was withdrawn after being hurt making the challenge that led to Fulton's winner.