'We deserved more'

Mike van der Hoorn was left wondering how Swansea City did not take more from Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Stoke City.

Joe Allen’s second-half goal was the difference between the two sides as the Potters condemned the Swans to their first away defeat of the season.

But the Swans felt they deserved to get something from the game, with van der Hoorn frustrated that a gallant effort from Graham Potter's much-changed team did not bring any reward.

“I felt we had better spells of the game,” van der Hoorn said.

“Stoke had some spells but we were really good in the first half and I think we had the better game.

“Not getting on top of our chances and scoring a goal cost us, but I think we deserved more from the game."

Replays showed that Allen’s goal should have been disallowed for offside.

And while an der Hoorn was disappointed with the decision which cost his team the game, the Dutchman did his best to focus on the positives.

“When you see their goal again it is clear that it is offside,” he said. “Mistakes happen but that was a very big one.

“Focusing on our performance, I think we improved after our last game. Stoke is a tough ground to come and play. I think we showed good courage and we need to do the same at Middlesbrough this weekend.

“There is a lot of confidence to take from this game and we want that to carry on.

“It can be better to have those unlucky moments earlier in the season. Our luck will turn around and we will have better games ahead.

“I am proud of the team because we showed courage on Tuesday and that is the way to move forward.”