‘Non-negotiables’ were our problem – Cooper

space for Brentford to cause problems on the counter attack.

Pontus Jansson was unable to fire an effort at goal after the ball fell at his feet from a corner before Said Benrahma blazed wide after a stunning move from a corner that came straight from the training ground.

Celina flashed an effort just wide after charging up the left flank while Mbeumo did the same at the other end minutes later.

Cooper responded by sending on Aldo Kalulu and Borja, with Tom Carroll and Surridge making way.

And Swansea pulled a goal back in the 65th minute as Celina’s rasping effort was fumbled by Raya, although Ayew was on hand to slide the rebound home in-front of the travelling supporters.

That seemed to momentarily stun the hosts who dropped deep, allowing Swansea to push forward in search of an equaliser.

But despite getting into dangerous positions, they struggled to create chances while Wilmot and Grimes were both booked in quick succession as the Bees looked to net a third on the break.

Benrahma almost made the points safe with a stunning strike from distance, although his effort sailed just over Woodman’s crossbar before Celina had a shot blocked late on.

But Watkins slotted beyond Woodman two minutes from time to earn Brentford all three points and inflict only a second away league defeat of the season on the Swans who end 2019 at home to Barnsley on Sunday.

STEVE Cooper says Swansea City didn’t do the “non-negotiables” well enough in their 3-1 Championship defeat to Brentford, writes IAN MITCHELMORE.

A brace from Ollie Watkins along with Bryan Mbeumo’s header earned the Bees all three points at Griffin Park, with Andre Ayew netting for the visitors.

It brought an end to the Swans’ three-match unbeaten run in the Championship while Thomas Frank’s men have not lost in four games.

And Cooper said Swansea’s below par first half display in the English capital ultimately proved costly.

“The first half performance was short,” he said.

“We didn’t do the basics well enough and the non-negotiables in terms of getting up to the ball and putting pressure on our opponents, looking after the ball when we get it and being creative.

“In the end we gave away two soft goals, one from a set play and one from where we’ve let the ball come into the box too easily.

“We gave ourselves a real uphill challenge.

“And although we played a lot better in the second half and played with a lot more intensity and positivity, the first half did cost us.

“The third goal was a little bit of a runaway with us trying to get the equaliser, but that was always going to be the case because of the margin.

“We’re really frustrated with the first half performance but we’ve only got ourselves to blame.”

The Swans were dealt a blow before a ball was even kicked in west London as Mike van der Hoorn was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the warm-up.

Ben Wilmot stepped in to partner Ben Cabango at the heart of Swansea’s back four.

But the away side’s defence desperately struggled to get to grips with Brentford’s swashbuckling attack.

And Cooper has said he does not yet know the extent of van der Hoorn’s injury, adding that the Dutchman’s absence was not an excuse for his side’s poor showing against Brentford.

“I don’t know the extent of the injury at the moment and it was a quick change,” added the boss.

“It’s a blow, but these things do happen from time to time and it certainly doesn’t make an excuse on the game.

“The extent of Mike’s injury, I’m not sure, but we’ll find out pretty soon.”