Michael Laudrup was a relieved man after the Swans secured their victory at Craven Cottage and believes that the confidence gained from the victory will stand them in good stead this week.
Jonjo Shelvey's goal just over ten minutes from time gave the Swans their third away victory of the season and their first win in six games to lift themselves into 10th place in the Premier League.
At a start of a week that could see them progress in Europe as well as planning a trip o Manchester City, the Swans manager was not underplaying the significance of a win at Fulham for the third successive season.
Laudrup hails spirited display
PUBLISHED
19:09 23rd November 2013
. . . Swans boss pleased with show of character as his side beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage
We start 12 games in six weeks with a win like this, which brings positivity and confidence into the group. "
Michael Laudrup
Michael Laudrup was eager to praise his side’s show of character and team spirit after Swansea City made it three Barclays Premier League wins out of three at Craven Cottage.
The Swans battled to a 2-1 victory over Fulham after an own-goal by Aaron Hughes was cancelled out by a spectacular curling effort by Scott Parker.
Laudrup's side had the last say as Jonjo Shelvey smashed home the winner with just ten minutes left on the clock.
After beating two Fulham defenders on the edge of the 18-yard box, the young English midfielder unleashed a fierce shot that gave Maarten Stekelenburg simply no chance.
The win takes Swansea up to 10th in the league table, and Laudrup believes this afternoon’s result was crucial for his side as they prepare to enter a busy period of fixtures.
"A win is always important — an away win sometimes even more,” explained the Great Dane.
"After what happened in the last game [against Stoke], which we felt we should have won, we needed the result.
"We start 12 games in six weeks with a win like this, which brings positivity and confidence into the group.
"We can take that into Thursday [against Valencia in the Europa League], even if it is a different competition.”
Victory for the Swans on Thursday night will take us into the next stage of the Europa League before heading off to Manchester next weekend. Although much has been pointed at the Swans form to date this season we are pushing on towards the positions of the last two seasons and can look forward to two successive home games following the game against Manchester City.
"For me, it was important to show the character and spirit that we have in our team.
"We already showed it against Stoke, coming back from two goals down, and when we found ourselves at 1-1 today, we didn’t just drop our heads, we continued to go for the three points, and we got the winning goal.
I have to say I’m really pleased with the win and with a great performance.”
The Swans dominance in the game saw them complete over 550 passes during the 90 minutes with an 87% success rate as well.