That poor first 45 minutes cost us dearly, admits disappointed Cooper
STEVE Cooper admits Swansea City’s first-half display on Tuesday night proved costly as they could only draw with 1-1 Coventry City.
The Swans started sluggishly at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium and fell behind to Jordan Shipley’s 19th-minute strike after Matt Grimes lost possession.
However, they got back on level terms through Andre Ayew before half-time although, after a slight improvement in the second half it was the Sky Blues who looked the more likely to net a winner.
Callum O’hare headed just wide at the death, while Connor Roberts had to clear an effort off his own line in the final stages.
And Cooper admits his side’s performance in the first 45 was not up to scratch. “I didn’t like our performance in the first half, and, truth be told, I was happy for us not to be down,” he said.
“We’re really pleased that Andre got us back in the game.
“We know Coventry do some different things tactically, which we’ve got to respect the way they play — they got promoted that way.
“I just don’t think we started the game with enough intensity and endeavour. I don’t like that because for all of some of the things we try and do tactically, and play with the ball and that sort of stuff, I want us to be a team that works hard and fights.
“I just didn’t think we did that well enough in the first half.
“We went 1-0 down, and then it was a good goal from Andre.
“We had to change some things around tactically, as well as reminding the lads to work a little bit harder in terms of matching Coventry’s endeavour.
“I thought we were good then for 25 minutes of the second half, but we didn’t threaten the goal enough.
“We had the momentum, but for some reason we gave it up, ended up being deep and conceded too many balls into our box.
“Because I didn’t like large parts of our performance, I’m not too disappointed with a point.”
Ryan Bennett’s showing and Ayew’s
goal were the few positives to emerge from an otherwise uninspiring Swansea display.
Transfer deadline day signing Bennett made numerous important blocks and tackles on his Swansea debut, while Ayew finished off a fine team move to earn his side a point with what was his third goal of the campaign.
And Cooper is confident Bennett will continue to shine following his move from Wolves to Swansea.
“It was good to have him on the pitch and to get his first game out of the way. I’m sure he’s really happy with that as well,” added the Swansea head coach.
“I thought he made some good tackles and blocks, he’s experienced and you could hear him talking out there and organising, which is a big part of why we wanted him. I’m pleased with him tonight and I know he’s only going to get better.”
Swansea return to action on Saturday afternoon against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.