Swansea had plenty of encouraging moments against the Saints, producing a lung-busting, energetic display full of hunger and desire against the Championship’s form team, and more than gave their high-flying opposition a game.
Marko Stamenic’s close-range finish had put Swansea in front midway through the first half to give Matos’ side a surprise lead at the break.
The Swans would defend resiliently, and with goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux pulling off a brace of sparkling saves there would be signs that the Saints’ push for promotion would be derailed.
The visitors, however, would rally and equalised 15 minutes into the second half through substitute Shea Charles as they looked to protect their 17-match unbeaten record coming into the contest.
Chances would then come and go at either end as the match seemingly looked to finish in an entertaining share of the spoils.
But forward Cameron Archer would be the match-winner coming off the bench to net a late strike, ultimately securing vital points for Tonda Eckert’s side in their hunt for promotion, leaving the Swans boss frustrated with the games outcome.
“It’s frustrating when you concede so close to the end of the game,” said Matos to Swansea Bay News post-match.
“I think it was quite a balanced game in terms of moments and opportunities for both teams. It is not about one side deserving it more or less – the game is done, they won, we lost.
“If it were the other way around, I would have said the same; that’s football.
“In terms of opportunities, we need to do better. There are a lot of things we can do better when we have the ball in the opposition half. Not rushing, playing calmly, and gaining confidence in the situation.
“The intensity level for both teams was really high, which made it intense, and we all felt that. We tried to use the bench to balance the game. The game was like what it was, and for sure won’t be the last one like that in the future.
“We need to learn to improve on those moments. The details make the difference, small things make the difference, and that’s something that we need to learn when we want to compete against these kinds of teams.
“When we play against this type of team you can always understand what is important – small things count and I think that is what we can get for the future if we want to keep pushing ourselves.
“I think we matched the form team in the Championship in most areas, but the most important thing is that everyone keeps believing and everyone keeps fighting for our identity.
“Today desire was there, anger and competitiveness was there as well, and that’s quite nice to see.
“Quality of game we need to keep improving, we need to keep pushing ourselves and that happened for moments then it’s about closing the game and finding a way to win.
“Because that’s what will, in the end, in the future, for sure, make us a better team, and it puts us in a better place.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
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