Moore’s the pity as Wales ace ruins night for Piroe
Swansea City blew a three-goal lead for the second time in just over a week as they drew 3-3 with Bournemouth.
Joel Piroe struck twice in the opening 12 minutes before Cyrus Christie notched his third goal for the Swans to put the hosts in dreamland. But the Cherries used every weapon in their artillery and got back into the match through goals from Kieffer Moore and Dominic Solanke.
And Wales star Moore lashed home from close range in the final minute to earn the visitors a share of the spoils as Swansea were once again unable to see out a victory having been in a commanding position to do so.
Academy product Joel Cotterill featured in a matchday squad for the first time as Jamie Paterson and Olivier Ntcham both missed out, meaning Swansea’s starting 11 was unchanged from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Bournemouth’s squad was littered with talent and included familiar faces in the shape of Jamal Lowe and Ethan Laird who both started for the Cherries.
The Swans started on the front foot and swiftly set about settling into their passing rhythm and controlling the tempo of the contest. And they struck gold after just six minutes as
Mark Travers’ clearance from Christie’s drilled cross fell to Piroe who rifled into the net.
It was a typically cool finish from the Dutchman who will no doubt attract plenty of transfer interest in the summer. His strike certainly typified the confidence that flowed through Swansea’s veins from the outset. Their intensity gave the Cherries plenty of problems, and it led to the Swans doubling their lead on 12 minutes. After Hannes Wolf won possession in the Bournemouth half, Michael Obafemi teed up Piroe who drilled beyond Travers from outside the box after cutting on to his left foot.
With Nottingham Forest hunting them down in the race for an automatic promotion spot, Scott Parker’s men looked shell-shocked. To their credit, their quality ensured they carried a threat, and Swansea were put to the test defensively after a flying start. Flynn Downes and Matt
Grimes were demons in the middle and the Cherries grew increasingly frustrated as the half wore on.
The Swans were dealt a blow shortly after the restart as Ben Cabango - on his 100th outing for the Swans - was forced off with an injury which meant Ryan Manning slotted into the back three as Korey Smith played in midfield. Bournemouth were rampant, and they hurled everything at Swansea in an attempt to get back into the game.
Shortly after substitute Philip Billing had a volley blocked, Andy Fisher denied Jaidon Anthony from point-blank range after the youngster was left unmarked at the back post from a cross. Swansea desperately struggled to keep hold of the ball to relieve the pressure on Fisher’s goal, but when they did show composure, it reaped full rewards thanks largely to the quick-thinking of the goalkeeper. Piroe and Wolf combined on the left flank before Obafemi collected possession in the final third. The ex-Southampton man spun his marker before teeing up Christie who lashed into the roof of the net from an acute angle to put Swansea in total control.
With half an hour to go, Parker threw the dice one last time, with Moore and Robbie Brady both coming off the bench, but Swansea showed plenty of nous to keep the visitors at bay while running down the clock where possible. Solanke drilled into the side netting following a corner, but just as the signs looked ominous for the away side, Moore gave them hope.
The Welshman headed home from Anthony’s corner to notch his first goal for Bournemouth on what was only his second outing for the club following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury. The final stages were frantic, and Parker’s outfit were given the chance to set-up a tense finish as referee Darren Bond awarded them a penalty following a handball from Manning.
Solanke coolly slotted into the bottom corner from 12 yards out to make it 3-2 with only nine minutes left on the clock. Moore was presented with a glorious opening to level proceedings on 83 minutes, although he was expertly denied by Fisher after getting into a one-on-one position with the Swansea goalkeeper.
But the Welshman had the last laugh as he converted from close range in the 90th minute as Swansea produced a repeat of their capitulation at Reading on Easter Monday, although they did extend their unbeaten record to nine matches in claiming a point.
Swansea City: Fisher; Cabango (Smith 49), Naughton, Latibeaudiere; Christie, Downes, Grimes (C), Manning; Piroe (Joseph 90+7), Wolf (Fulton 82); Obafemi. Subs not used: Hamer, Ogbeta, Cotterill, Congreve.