AYEWS THRIVE ON FAMILY ENERGY
IF yOU think fighting a relegation battle is stressful for players and managers, then spare a thought for their families. The strain of disappointing results week in, week out can easily translate into moodiness and anxiety in private lives. But with his mum sitting in the stands and brother Andre playing alongside him, Jordan Ayew took Swansea another point closer to a happy ending to the season. It was the least they deserved for a dominant performance against Everton and the draw gave them a five-point cushion above Southampton in 18th. ‘We are suffering and our families are suffering. We’re under stress and it’s not easy for anyone,’ admitted Ayew after scoring his 11th goal of the season. ‘My mum was here today, and about nine family and friends. They are always positive and they give us more energy to fight. I’m really happy because my brother is out there with me.’ Andre Ayew, who returned to Swansea from West Ham for £18million in January, has yet to score in his second spell. Jordan, at 26 two years younger than his brother, added: ‘OK, everyone has been disappointed with the lack of goals. But in my first six months here I scored, maybe, just one goal. The main thing is, Andre is effective and does well for the team. Today he was one of the best. We are taking steps forward and in a few weeks we will have smiles on our faces. ‘We will always fight and die for this club, because it has given me and my brother so much.’ Swansea all the better chances but fell behind to an unfortunate Kyle Naughton own goal moments before half-time. But Ayew’s crisp finish with 19 minutes left took them a point closer to a stress-free finale. SWANSEA CITY (4-3-3): Fabianski 6.5; Naughton 6, Fernandez 6.5, Mawson 7, Olsson 6; Ki 6.5 (Abraham 65min, 6), King 6, Carroll 7; Narsingh 7 (Dyer 46, 6), A Ayew 7, J AYEW 8. Subs not used: Nordfeldt, Van der Hoorn, Routledge, Bartley, Roberts. Scorer: JAyew71.JA Booked: yew. Manager: Carlos Carvalhal 7. EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford 6; Coleman 6.5, Jagielka 6.5, Keane 6.5, Baines 6; Schneiderlin 6, Gueye 6 (Baningime 70, 6); Walcott 5, Rooney 6.5 (Vlasic 87), Bolasie 6 (Funes Mori 76); Tosun 6. Subs not used: Robles, Martina, Niasse, Davies. Scorer: Naughton 43 og. Booked: Baningime. Manager: Sam Allardyce 6. Referee: Lee Mason 6. Attendance: 20,933.