The things you chatted to your mates about after the game

It was always going to take an unexpected result to give Swansea the belief they needed to save their season – and that’s exactly what this needs to be.

Swansea have been their own worst enemy too often this campaign, the lack of confidence killing them during games and suggesting there was no way out.

You worried when Liverpool came back to 2-2 that, despite a draw being a result all would have taken before the game, it would have felt like a blow for Clement’s men after that two-goal lead. But Swansea finally showed they are made of sterner stuff deep down – something that simply must be carried over into the remaining fixtures of the season.

It was a joy to see visiting supporters soak it in and perhaps, just perhaps, they can believe the improbable is possible.

With Paul Clement offering constant instructions on the sidelines as he coaxed and reminded players into their positions, Swansea were not pulled around with the ease as they have been for the vast majority of the season.

The new man’s promise that players would know exactly what their roles are when they stepped onto the field is coming to fruition with a far more intelligent approach to their tactical discipline that frustrated Liverpool. It saw much of their attacking threat suffer as a result, but it is about building blocks for Swansea – and this suggested there is a solid foundation growing under Clement’s charge. It is almost two years since Tom Carroll last pulled on a Swans shirt – a start in the win at Burnley in February 2015 before injury ended his loan spell early – and it’s fair to say he looks a different player now.

He is still the technically sound player that was seen under Garry Monk, but it’s clear just by looking at him he’s filled out and is stronger physically and can offer a lot more to the team this time around.

There was a lot of clever play off the ball from the £4.5m signing, good discipline and then some confident touches and passes when he had the chance, bringing some much-missed dynamism, notably his linking with Olsson for Llorente’s second goal.

The first pass to play in the full-back was class and the ensuing cross excellent. Throw in his defensive work as Liverpool pushed back and it was an outstanding return. Some had seen Martin Olsson’s arrival as Swansea admitting they were destined for the Championship, but his performance here showed he can prove to be a real asset in the battle for survival.

He had plenty of work to do but stayed solid and disciplined in his defending for the most part while showing a good turn of speed and composure when going forward.

Some strong surges helped alleviate pressure and he linked brilliantly with Carroll to tee up Llorente’s second. A very good debut for the former Norwich and Blackburn defender. This was always likely to be an afternoon where Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente would have to wait for rare opportunities to put their mark on this game. Swansea knew there would be no shortage of defending to do and possession would be scarce and valuable.

Sigurdsson and Llorente both bought in to what was demanded of them by Paul Clement, but were still alert and sharp enough to provide the moments of quality.

Matchwinner Sigurdsson set up Tom Carroll to hit the post, as well as sending in an excellent corner for the opener before grabbing Swansea’s third, while Llorente provided the finishing touch to the opener and buried the second.

More of the same will be needed over the next few months.