Swansea City went nine points in front of the relegation zone with a relieving win against a struggling Norwich City on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium.
It was a tight first half with both teams showing why they’re occupying the lower places in the Premier League table. However, in the second half, Alan Curtis motivated the Swans and Gylfi Sigurdsson got the opener in the 61st minute.
Substitute – and former Norwich player – Leroy Fer did very well when coming on for Leon Britton and assisted the Icelander with the eventual winning goal.
A last gasp effort from Alex Neil’s side was worrying, but the Canaries couldn’t conjure up a late equaliser as they remain in a very worrying position, 18th in the table.
The three points puts Swansea on 33 points, closer to Southampton who are in 8th place, than the dreaded relegation zone.
Here’s our Swansea City player ratings:
Lukasz Fabianski - 7
Wasn’t a busy afternoon for the Pole. But he remained strong on the few times he was needed.
Angel Rangel - 6.5
Rangel wasn’t troubled at all, defensively. However, in attack, he wasn’t great. He misplaced a good few passes and didn’t really help offensivey.
Federico Fernandez - 7.5
Fernandez had a good game against the big Cameron Jerome. He won every header and made some vital interceptions.
Ashley Williams - 7
The skipper had a quiet game, but didn’t do anything wrong. Pretty steady.
Neil Taylor - 6
Taylor had a very disappointing showing. He stood off Nathan Redmond constantly, and in attack he didn’t know what to do with the ball, mostly.
Leon Britton - 7
He had a steady first-half, and maintained the ball many times, as usual. He was replaced by Fer in the second-half, as Curtis wanted more of an attacking emphasise. Fer was terrific in the second-half, assisting Sigurdsson’s goal well.
Jack Cork - 8
Cork was terrific again. He bossed the midfield, and was strong in defence, and clever in attack. Mr. Reliable!
Andre Ayew - 7
It wasn’t a memorable afternoon for Ayew. He didn’t add too much to our attack, but didn’t do much wrong. Gomis replaced him late-on, but he couldn’t make an impact.
Wayne Routledge - 7.5
Routledge had a decent game. He was good on the ball, and made some sharp runs on the wing.
Gylfi Sigurdsson - 8
Sigurdsson was great again. He used the ball well, and scored the winning goal.
Alberto Paloschi - 7
Paloschi was very lonely up front. Swansea seemed to just boot the ball up to him and expect him to compete against Norwich’s two centre-backs. It’s not the type of striker he is. Modou Barrow replaced him at half-time, an changed the game with his blistering pace.