PEARSON SALUTES COMEBACK KINGS
Swans left shattered by Palmer
NIGEL Pearson was thrilled with Bristol City’s fighting spirit as they came from behind to start his managerial reign with victory over Swansea.
Kasey Palmer handed his former side a chance to go ahead when handling in the box to gift the dominant Swansea a second-half penalty.
Andre Ayew found the bottom corner for his 10th goal of the season. But it all unravelled for Steve Cooper’s side.
Nakhi Wells levelled 10 minutes after the opener after Zak Vyner robbed Marc Guehi of possession and found the forward with a low cross.
Palmer then put the Robins ahead when his corner looped over the head of Freddie Woodman and found the top corner.
Woodman was at fault again for the third when he was closed down by sub Antoine Semenyo, who blocked his clearance and tapped in.
“Swansea were by far the better side,” said Pearson. “They dominated possession and our quality on the ball was poor. It was a relentless task just to stay in the game.
“But I have to give the players an unbelievable amount of credit. They stuck to their task and put their bodies on their line.
“Let’s not kid ourselves, we were second best. But that just shows what football is like.
“We felt it was important to change the shape to a 4-5-1 and it allowed us to press them higher up the pitch. I’ve inherited a talented group of young players, but with a team ethic that shines through.”
It took some last ditch defending and heroic goalkeepwith ing from Daniel Bentley to keep Swansea at bay in the first half.
The Robins keeper produced a reaction save to push Jamal Lowe’s fierce half-volley over the bar, before using his midriff to deny Yan Dhanda as the Swans consistently found routes through the defence.
Pearson hauled defender Ryley Towler off just before the half-time, but the change could not prevent Swansea finding the breakthrough in the 54th minute thanks in large to former star, Palmer.
The man who spent the first half of the season on loan at the Liberty used an arm to stop a Matt Grimes ball reaching Bidwell at the back post.
Keith Stroud pointed to the spot and Ayew beat Bentley for his 10th goal of the season.
But a tactical switch from Pearson to put centre-back Zak Vyner in midfield bore fruit as the visitors got themselves back on level terms.
Vyner pressed high to pounce on a loose ball. He then had the composure to pick out Wells with a low cross, and the striker beat Woodman a low drive. Woodman was then caught out by former team-mate Palmer, who struck a curling corner high beyond his reach to spark celebrations on the Bristol City bench.
And Semenyo wrapped up victory by closing down Woodman to block a clearing kick, before tapping home.
Swans head coach Steve Cooper said: “Freddie’s made a couple of mistakes for the second and third goals, we know that, but he’s been brilliant for us since he’s come through the door.”