Jonjo: I didn't think goal was going in
26th April
Jonjo Shelvey admitted he nearly missed his wonder strike against Aston Villa because he thought it was heading over the crossbar.
The Swans midfielder struck a sweet half volley from just inside the Villa half that flew over the head of goalkeeper Brad Guzan and into the top corner.
The goal restored Swansea's lead after Wilfried Bony's cool opener was cancelled out by Gabriel Agbonlahor.
But Shelvey's strike gave the home side the advantage again and they pushed on in the second half to earn a comprehensive 4-1 win and all but secure their Premier League status.
However, it could have been different for the England international had he not decided to completely turn his back on the effort.
"I thought it was going over at first, so I started walking away," he said. "But luckily it dropped over the keeper's head and went in.
"I had a quick look before I hit it to see if there were any options, but I caught it nice and it was a great strike.
"The goal came at a crucial point because they had started to get a foothold in the game, and we needed it to give us the lead again before the break."
After an entertaining opening period, the home side began the second half on the front foot and could have netted a third when Jonathan de Guzman pulled a shot wide.
But the hosts opened up a two-goal lead when Pablo Hernandez found space in the box and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
And after Nathan Baker was adjudged to have pushed Marvin Emnes in the box, Bony stepped up to score his second - and 24th goal of the season - from the penalty spot to put the gloss on a fine afternoon.
"I think we needed that win to get us away from the relegation zone and I'm glad it came at the Liberty," said Shelvey.
"It's been a tough season with all the European games and the travelling, but it was important that we got these three points and it means a lot.
"We have put in some good performances at home, but haven't had the rub of the green.
"However, we are not a team to sit back and be happy. we want six points from the last two games and hopefully we can do that."
