Potter happy with a point
Graham Potter saluted his players – but insisted they can improve – after Swansea City became the first team this season to take points off Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Tony Pulis’s powerful Boro team had seen off all comers on their own patch in 2018-19 before today, with Sheffield United, Birmingham, West Brom and Bolton all beaten on Teesside.
But their 100 per cent home record went today as another resilient Swans display saw them secure a creditable goalless draw.
Potter’s side banked their fourth clean sheet of the season courtesy of their latest fine defensive effort.
The Swans boss was delighted once more with the desire and spirit his team showed, although he also stressed that they must improve going forward.
“We are happy with a point,” Potter said.
“The stats tell you that this is not an easy place to come and it’s not easy facing a side managed by Tony Pulis.
“They have good quality players and a good manager, so you know it’s going to be a difficult game.
“I thought we did well for the first 20 or 25 minutes. Then they changed their shape a bit and the manner of their play means they are going to get the ball into your box from not too much.
“That gets the crowd going and that makes it a test of character.
“But I thought we dealt with that really well. The second half was pretty even and we are pleased with a point.
“The way we fought and how we defended was pleasing, but I still think we can play better.
“We are not satisfied with certain aspects of our performance and that’s the next challenge for us. We caused our own problems at times and that’s something we can improve.”
While a point at Boro is a pleasing result, the Swans are now without a goal in their last three Championship matches.
And Potter added: “The challenge now is to improve aspects of our performance on the back of the real and attitude and spirt we are showing.
“Middlesbrough are a good team they make it very difficult for you. I think we can learn a lot from this game and grow from this game.
“We are happy with lots of things, but there are also lots of things we can improve.”
