Ash targets defensive improvement
21st January
Skipper Ashley Williams feels Swansea City's revival must start with a miserly defence.
Last weekend's home defeat to in-form Tottenham Hotspur means the Swans are just three points adrift of the relegation zone.
Despite an encouraging start at the Liberty, the Swans went down 3-1 to an Emmanuel Adebayor brace and a Chico Flores own goal, with Wilfried Bony's strike proving mere consolation.
Following this Saturday's FA Cup tie at Championship side Birmingham City, the Swans face relegation rivals Fulham, West Ham, Cardiff City and Stoke City in their next four league games.
And Williams believes the Swans must improve defensively if they are to turn their fortunes around.
"We are trying to work out the solution," said the centre-back. "I don't think confidence is the problem but defensively we need to keep clean sheets. I feel as if I've never conceded so many goals in my career.
"We need to improve in that area, and that includes myself. I hold my hands up because I've been part of it.
"We have not won in eight and the pressure is on - we need to pick up points.
"We will not use injuries as an excuse. We have had a lot of them recently, and it's not helped as it's to key players.
"But we feel that we have a good team and that we can get out of danger.
"The Fulham game should have a cup final feel to it as we are getting into a crucial period.
"If we pick up some points then it looks a lot rosier, but if not then it gets even tougher."
