In a performance of heart and desire the Swans would be resilient at the back to record their second win in a row in SA1 to move ten points clear of the relegation zone and triumph against a side placed in the top six placings for the first time since February 2022.
Liam Cullen’s second-half predatory winner would be the difference between the two sides in poor conditions in South Wales. The Wales forward burying Harry Darling’s flicked header after captain Matt Grimes’ neat, chipped pass had found the Swans defender unmarked in the penalty area.
The Swans would have chances to wrap up the match with Darling spawning several headed set-piece efforts, but it would not matter on the day as the Swans would gain a vital win and a clean sheet to boot to start off the New Year in positive fashion.
“There were difficult conditions, and we were trying to find the right formula, but I thought we played well,” said Sheehan.
“We want to be more fluent at times, but we understand that you have to consider the conditions, the physical aspect and the opponent.
“To get back-to-back wins at home and to beat a top-six team has been a long time coming. It builds confidence.
“They run all over teams and are front-footed and excellent in certain areas. They had just beaten Leeds United the other day, so you have to respect the opponent and the division.
“What you have seen today is a team fighting for the badge, fighting together in and out of possession.
“To withstand that pressure at the end of the back of a tough Christmas period where we have been travelling and had sickness is pleasing considering the level of opponent. We’ve had a difficult couple of games.
“I think aspects of our play were really top-class against a good team and I expect them to be up there at the end of the season.
“The players deserve a large amount of credit for that.
“I thought some of the football in the second-half was outstanding. I think at the start of the half I think if we take our chances the game could have been done.
“We hit the post; we had chances which were one pass away. We had moments like that even back in the Rotherham and Stoke games where we were one pass away from breaking the press every time.
“We need to get better at that, but in the last two games, I feel we have shown a good structure. When you have that you can hurt teams.”
Sheehan revealed he had no idea how long his tenure in charge at the club would go on for whilst the club continue to search for a new head-coach. The Irishman, however, stressed despite the managerial factor the Swans are actively looking to strengthen the first-team squad in the transfer window.
“There will be players going out of the door and coming in. To be a successful team you have to be stronger on the first of February than you were at the end of December it’s a fact,” continued Sheehan.
“Every successful club that I have been involved with has worked that way. It is key to do that, and we know where we need to strengthen. There are targets to make the club stronger.
“If you come here, you know what style of football you are getting. The club is renowned for its style. That is what we want to get back to but it’s a process. I think there will be players coming in and going out.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
