Joe Allen | Late goals show we keep pushing until the end
Joe Allen hopes Swansea City’s pair of dramatic late goals over the festive period can prove the start of a trend that sees them wring the maximum out of every opportunity over the remainder of the Championship season.
Allen was on the mark in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion, stepping off the bench late on to score a stoppage-time equaliser via a glancing header from a Ronald cross.
That came just six days after Myles Peart-Harris had come on and grabbed a winner against Luton Town with a header of his own.
Those goals helped Swansea take seven points from 12 over Christmas and New Year, and they remain six points off the play-off places.
“I think if you look earlier in the season, that is something we were on the wrong end of, conceding late goals that were costing us,” said Allen.
“It’s a nice feeling for us to be the team pushing to the end of the game knowing we can pose a threat and we can get ourselves back in the game.
“I think the performance could have been a lot better, they are a very good side and they caused us problems. In games like that it’s important to get something out of them at the very least, and it’s a good quality to have.
“Everyone is chipping in and I think that’s vital for any team to have if you want to achieve anything. Everyone knows that, it’s a great group that pushes each other whether you are starting or coming off the bench, and a manager who is willing to give players a chance.
“It means it’s very tough to keep your shirt, to keep a place in the team or on the bench. When you are on the training pitch and during a game it’s important to make sure you are pushing. That’s a really important and healthy thing to have and something we can hopefully continue to show we have got.”
Allen may not have been renowned for scoring headed goals, but he took his opportunity with some aplomb, even though the midfielder was typically self-effacing about his finish.
“I was just in the right place at the right time I guess,” he added.
“We were in a position where we just had to throw bodies in the box to try and get any sort of goal.
“The ball just flashed across and lucky enough it ended up in the back of the net and got us a point.
“It’s a nice way to return. Injuries are part of the game, but the medical team looked after me brilliantly.
“I was hoping to get out on the pitch, scoring headers certainly isn’t how I made my name but there’s always hope and you think ‘why not?’
“I just got myself in the box, it landed on my head. I didn’t have to rise for it or jump over the top of anyone, which is probably a good thing because I’d stand no chance of doing that!”