Monk - The Fans Anxiety Affected Us

I guess it is a different kind of excuse that was trotted out after this game but it is difficult to see how a point at home to Bournemouth is a "point gained" no matter what way you want to dress it up.

The simple fact is that the Swans were dreadful to hand Bournemouth the two goal advantage in the first place and therefore you cannot take too many positives from a game where you are expected to secure all three points.

Given the fact that for two weeks we have been expecting a performance we were far from getting one today and that is the most frustrating part but it is time for the players who talked so happily about Champions League qualification at the start of the season to stand up and be counted.

And it certainly should not be the case that the manager starts hinting that it is the fans fault when it is the players and tactics that is letting us down so badly.

The fans are naturally going to get frustrated when you see Bournemouth gifted two goals as they were inside the first quarter of the game and there was no anxiety until that part so it makes the excuse a little redundant.

Speaking after the game, Monk said "Considering we were two goals down, i have to give credit to the players for the spirit they showed, I think it was a point gained.

"Going two goals down added to the tension and anxiety within the crowd, which affects the players a little bit. It’s quite natural for them to feel tension considering the situation that we are in.

"But the reaction deserves massive credit. It showed the spirit within the squad and their work ethic. We could have easily capitulated, but we did well to come back.

"It was a difficult game for both teams. The first 20 minutes of the second half Bournemouth were strong without really creating anything, then in the last 15 minutes we were the strongest.

"It’s the confidence with the ball that is lacking right now. We need to bring the players’ confidence with the ball back, and that brightness and sharpness.

"It’s down to winning though, because that breeds confidence. If we can put a run of results together now, that confidence will come back.”

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