We must be better, admits Clement

Paul Clement admitted Swansea City must improve – and quickly – on their own patch after a painful 2-1 defeat to Watford.

The Swans had seemed set to claim a first home point of the season after substitute Tammy Abraham cancelled out Andre Gray’s early opener.

But Watford snatched victory in the last minute of normal time when Richarlison took advantage of some sloppy home defending to rifle home via the underside of the bar.

The Brazilian’s late winner means the Swans have lost their first three home fixtures of the new season.

And a frustrated Clement conceded that he and his players must do better.

“I thought we played really poorly in the first half and I have to take responsibility,” said the Swans boss.

“I chose the shape and the line-up and it proved to be incorrect.

“I think I did the right thing making changes to the shape and the personnel at the break.

“We played well from the start of the second half. We took the initiative and had more control.

“We got the goal back and it looked like there was only going to be one team who would go on and win it at that stage.

“But the most important thing is not to lose the game in that situation and, when I look back at the goals we conceded today, they were gifted.

“One goes into the front, it bounces all the way back, the next minute it is in our box, the block comes from the wrong side and goal.

“Then the second goal is a misplaced pass, a missed tackle and you end up losing the game.”

Clement sent on Abraham and Roque Mesa at half-time as he switched from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2.

The switch prompted a significant improvement after a poor first-half display, but Watford still found a way to make it three wins from three away league games this season.

“The game was 90 minutes plus five minutes, and we probably played for 40 minutes,” Clement said.

“That’s not enough. I am very disappointed for the supporters because they have come here three times this season and we have lost every game.

“It’s supposed to be easier at home, but for some reason it’s not at the moment.

“We played very well here at the end of last season. The crowd were disappointed at the end of the first half and I could understand that because I was the same.

“We were better in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. And even if you are struggling in spells, you have to be compact and do not give away missed chances.”