Away-day joy for Martin as Swans put paid to Sky Blues’ fine home run
RUSSELL Martin lauded Swansea City’s endeavour after they ended Coventry City’s unbeaten home run in the Championship this season.
Jamie Paterson and Joel Piroe both struck early on as the Swans claimed all three points at the CBS Arena after Kyle McFadzean pulled a goal back for the hosts.
Prior to the defeat, Mark Robins’ men had claimed 19 of the 21 points on offer from their opening seven home league contests this term.
And Swans boss Martin lavished praise on his players for the way they fought to clinch what was their fourth victory in five games.
“We came out of the traps brilliantly. So much energy, intensity and aggression,” said the head coach.
“We were playing against a really good team with a brilliant home record, a team that have had a lot of time with the coaching staff who are excellent.
“We could have had a couple more goals early on, it’s really frustrating to concede the goal we did.
“We’ve been really strong at defensive set-pieces, so it’s really disappointing because if we go in at halftime 2-0 up, it feels a little bit different.
“The end of the first half, it was tough for us. They were 2-1 down at home, nothing to lose, they’re probably the most aggressive team we’ve played against.
“But I thought in the second half we really gained control back and then they had a flurry at the end which you expect and we showed much courage and bravery to try and play the way we want to play, Ben Hamer in particular, some of the decisions he made were incredible.
“The guys dug in, showed a real character and willingness to work for each other.”
Paterson’s composed finish saw Swansea go ahead after just five minutes while Piroe bagged his 10th goal of the campaign soon after.
The pair have now scored 15 of Swansea’s 20 league strikes under the current regime.
And Martin could not hide his delight with the duo after revealing he held talks with Paterson following his below-par display in the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City last month.
“Both of them have been incredible for us,” said Martin.
“Joel – just speaking about the defensive actions there - the defensive job he does for the team, first and foremost – forget all the goals, his team-mates really appreciate that.
“We really appreciate that. He does some incredible things out of possession for us, in possession you see what he can do.
“He’s so clever, he links the game well, good movement, always in the right place, which is why he scored a goal tonight.
“And Pato, you run out of superlatives to describe Pato. He just keeps getting better, he just keeps learning.
“If you look back to the Birmingham game, we had a really good chat after it. He’s gone back in the last two games to really understand his role and the confidence he has; the courage he has in possession. His teammates definitely appreciate that.
“He deserved a goal, took it brilliantly, and, again, another one who defensively does so much for the team.
“He works so hard and the guys are enjoying having him.”
Swansea are currently 10th and are now just one point off the Championship’s top six.
They conclude the current block of fixtures with a trip to league leaders Bournemouth on Saturday in what is the last outing ahead of the final international break of the year.
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