PIROE’S THE SWANS HERO
JOEL PIROE earned comparisons with ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven and he produced a finish the former Manchester United striker would have been proud of to down Bristol City.
Piroe, a 22-year-old Dutch forward, swapped PSV for Swansea in a £1million summer move and his third goal for his new club gave the Welsh side their first Championship win of the season.
His first-half strike was the only goal of the game and extended Bristol City’s awful home run under boss Nigel Pearson — their last win at Ashton Gate was on January 26.
it was a miracle Swansea didn’t fall behind in the first 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Steven Benda was forced into saving from Matty James and robins striker Chris Martin also passed wide of goal from just yards out.
Swansea stunned Ashton Gate with an opener against the run of play. Piroe broke clear, cut on to his left foot and unleashed a powerful strike which hit the post and rebounded back into play.
Piroe reacted brilliantly and he made a difficult finish from the edge of the box look easy as he slotted it home without taking a touch.
As they had been in the first period, the robins looked the more threatening side but their missed chances proved to be fatal. Pearson’s men were roared on by their home supporters and battered at the door only to be unable to break through.
The home frustration was clear. Six Swansea players earned yellow cards and Andi Weimann was furious to be penalised when he thought he had been fouled by Brandon Cooper.
Weimann did put the ball in the net with 15 minutes to play but was flagged offside.
it summed up the evening for Pearson’s side who seemingly don’t know how to win at home and should have taken at least a point.