Swansea City toon in to new targets
GARRY Monk believes Swansea City are riding the crest of a wave after they followed their historic Capital One Cup triumph with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
Luke Moore's late winner saw the Swans move up to eighth place in the Premier League and take their points tally to 40 — the magic number which is traditionally enough to secure top-flight survival.
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Luke Moore celebrates
Swansea have managed to tick off that particular target with ten games left this season, and the next aim will be to better last term's 11th-place finish and points total of 47.
Monk gave an assured performance after being restored to the starting line-up against Newcastle, and the club captain reckons the victory demonstrated how they are enjoying a rich run of form.
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"It's the way things are going at the minute," said Monk.
"It's nice. I have played in many a game where we have played brilliantly, dominated the game and ended up losing the game.
"It makes a nice change.
"It was nice to get a goal at the end — it is always nice when it is you. Newcastle might feel a little hard done by. I think, overall, a draw would probably have been a fair result but we will take it."
This was Swansea's second win of the season over Newcastle, having triumphed 2-1 at St James' Park in November.
It was also a significant match for Moore, who came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal of the season with five minutes left.
It was Moore's first strike since heading Swansea's winner in their 1-0 victory over Manchester City last term, and Monk was delighted to see the former West Brom striker get on the scoresheet. "I am really happy for Luke.
"For him to come on and get a goal is great," he said.
"He seems to pop up with important goals and that was a really important one.
"Hopefully that gives Luke a bit more confidence to even get a few more starts.
"Who knows? At the end of the day, he can score goals in the Premier League.
"He has proved that. It was important to try to get to that 40-point mark and we have got there which is great."
8 Comments
by White_Rock
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 6:55AM
“Sentiment is definitely clouding judgement on the subject.
Our game starts at the back. If only one of your central defenders is capable of moving the ball swiftly and accurately then we're already at a disadvantage. Our midfield suffered on Saturday because they had less avenues available for passing.
Monk's a good option as a last resort but there's no way he should be in the side ahead of Bartley if Chico's not available.”
by KP287
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:08PM
“I have to agree with White Rock, Monk just isn`t good enough.”
by divingtulip
Monday, March 04 2013, 7:14PM
“we couldn,t get the game over here just the high lights so i cant comment on the game
so i want to get my five penny,s worth in we on 40 points and 10 tough games left
the way the team are playing know we going to end of season in 7th place with 57 points
we should beat w b a , norwich ,wigan , fulham, southampton , and draw with arsenal and
man city, ..”
by cyril392
Monday, March 04 2013, 12:49PM
“Gary Monk may not look as slick as some of the other members of the Swans squad, and he did give the ball away once in a dangerous position early on; but what was most surprising was that Newcastle took control of the midfield for big chunks of the game, especially in the second half. There's not many teams (only Man U springs to mind besides) that come here and edge the midfield the way Newcastle did. Pardew's frustration afterwards was understandable; although he still hasn't got it right at the back.
Still, about time we had the rub of the green. Particularly satisfying to see Stephen Taylor on the wrong end after he held down Tremmel to enable them to score their goal at St James' Park last November. Same goes for Elliot in the Newcastle goal. Weren't wasting QUITE so much time after we scored, were you Rob?
Just a final word of thanks to the latest converts to SCFC fan-dom in the shape of those camera-shy boys One Direction, for singing the praises of our top scorer in the new Red Nose Day song (I can understand how draining fame might be, but does it really require 5 people to sing 1 song?) "One way, or another, I'm gonna find you, I'm gonna Michu-Michu-Michu-Michu"..... Thanks lads. Not a dry gusset in the house (no, seriously).”
by bigphil1959
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:53AM
“Agree with muld00ns monk had a great second half, and he is not the weak link.”
by Neathboy234
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:49AM
“I think Swansea can get another 9 points, it's a really hard run in and every point will be difficult. I can see wins against only Fulham and Southampton and a few draws here and there. They might get a win against Norwich. Come the 19th may i can see the swans finishing in 9th place which will be fantastic.”
by muld00ns
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:35AM
“I think you're wrong. I am one of Monk's biggest critics and thought he had a great second half. We lost the midfield and with only Ki on the bench we were suffering a bit.”
by White_Rock
Monday, March 04 2013, 7:14AM
“"Monk gave an assured performance after being restored to the starting line-up against Newcastle"
Really?
He was the obvious weak link in the side. He's just not on the required technical level to fit in with the rest of the team, and Newcastle knew it. Time and again they pressurised him and it almost paid off for them,”