Palace back in trouble warns Sam
Llorente’s turning it for Swans
LLORENTE: Crucial match-winner
SWANSEA EVERTON
FERNANDO LLORENTE might look uninterested at times but the Spaniard’s experience is proving vital to Swansea’s hopes of staying in the Premier League.
Llorente’s simple header at the back post gave Paul Clement’s side a win over Everton which moved them out of the relegation zone and above Hull.
It was Llorente’s 13th goal of the season and it was a perfect way for the 32-year-old to respond to criticism of his languid style.
Last month Frank Lampard questioned Llorente’s work-rate in the 1-0 defeat at Watford but Swansea would already be contemplating life in the Championship were it not for him. His goals have led to 13 points.
Llorente said: “I only concentrate on my work and helping my team. I have a lot of experience in a lot of important matches. I was fighting relegation in Spain with Athletic Bilbao and it’s difficult being in this position, but we have a good dressing room.
“Everton are a very difficult team. We’ve played a very good match and if we continue in this way, I think we’ll stay in the league.”
This felt like the 90 minutes which could define Swansea’s season. Survival is now in their hands, with a trip to relegated Sunderland and a home match against West Brom remaining.
They deserved to win this one, Federico Fernandez and Alfie Mawson keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet and Llorente popping up with the winner. The celebrations showed how much the win meant.
Clement said: “I’ve worked with fantastic teams and got my hands on some unbelievable silverware, but avoiding relegation will be the best moment of my career.”
Swansea’s players are covering the cost for 3,000 fans to travel to Sunderland. David Moyes’ side are down, but their 2-0 win at Hull showed there is life in them yet.
Still, Llorente believes Swansea can stay up. “Our confidence is up,” he said. “Sunderland are a dangerous team because they have nothing to lose. We’ll have to play like we did against Everton or at Old Trafford if we’re to win.” REPORTS nightmare, Guardiola will still bring in defensive reinforcements.
“We have missed him because he is a real central defender who wins the duels,” said Guardiola. “But we have to cover our backs. We cannot have total confidence he will be fit next season because of what we have experienced in the last few years.”
Kompany struck a well-taken goal to join David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi on the score sheet. He said: “I’m happy but the happiest I will be is when I go through the interview area and nobody asks me about my fitness!”
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Booked: NEXT UP: CRYSTAL PALACE (3-5-2): Goals:
I only focus on helping my team