Fernandez: Big test, big win

Captain Federico Fernandez believes the Swans showed a different side to their game after winning their “duel” with Burnley at the Liberty.

Ki Sung-Yueng’s first goal of the season proved the difference during a tight encounter in SA1, securing a win which moved the Swans two points clear of the drop zone.

It means Carlos Carvalhal’s side are now unbeaten in nine games – a run which has also included victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.

And Fernandez felt the Swans’ performance against the Clarets showed they are becoming a more rounded team under Carvalhal.

“It was a big test for our defence because it was a very different game to the ones against Liverpool and Arsenal,” said the centre-back.

“It was always going to be very tough and close, and we had to have energy and commitment.

“We knew how they would play – it was about winning a lot of duels.

“But the boss was very clear with his game plan and we stuck to it.

“We stayed in the game and worked hard to create an opportunity to score, and Ki did very well to take his chance.

“I had a perfect view of his goal – he connected with it very cleanly.”

The Swans sit 15th in the table ahead of Sunday’s round of fixtures, with an FA Cup fixture with Sheffield Wednesday awaiting them next week.

But while Fernandez is enjoying the team's huge turnaround in form, he revealed the Swans’ determination to keep the run going.

“We are on a very good run at the moment and we are enjoying it,” he said.

“We have reacted very well to the manager and we are in a much better position.

“But we have to keep this up. It’s no good wasting the good work we have put in over the last month or so.

“The guys won’t ease up because we have worked so hard to get into this position.”