Ji-Sung Eom netted the winner from close range in a rare moment of quality slotting home Josh Key’s right-wing cross in what was a hard watch for the home faithful.
Eom’s goal – the only shot on target for the Swans has now eased relegation fears with the Swans rising to 15th place in the second tier – seven points ahead of Cardiff City holding the final relegation placing.
“It wasn’t a wonderful game, but it was a wonderful win,” said Sheehan in his post-match press conference.
“It wasn’t a good game to watch. I am not going to sit here and say I was really enjoying it.
“But there are different ways to win games in the Championship. Huge credit to John Eustace, he has found a way to win games, and we had to try to match their physicality.
“Some of the defensive displays were outstanding, even though the game itself wasn’t very pleasing on the eye.
“I tried to explain the magnitude of this game in the week, and I didn’t want to downplay it. Derby had won four games in a row against teams who are up in the top half of the table, so it was always going to be difficult.
“I thought we dealt with their threats, but we’d have liked to cause them more problems when we had the ball.
“We found it hard to create tempo in the game because when you defend long throw after long throw, it’s difficult.
“There are certain ways you have to play against certain teams. We could probably be slightly more fluid today but then concede two or three set plays.
“At times in the first half, we forced things, we went from back to front too quickly when the spaces were somewhere else. It’s up to me to find the right balance.”
With six matches remaining this season, bottom of the table Plymouth Argyle are next up for the Swans at home on Wednesday evening.
Sheehan said he could not speculate on how many more points Swansea need to guarantee survival.
“We will go into every game and try to pick up as many points as we can,” continued the Swans boss.
“I think we are showing at the moment that we are very adaptable and are capable of picking up different points. Leeds last week, today is totally different, Blackburn and Middlesbrough are different.
“The players are in a good place.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
