Russell Martin | It was a disappointing way to round off the season

Russell Martin was left disappointed and frustrated as Swansea City rounded off the 2021-22 season with defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

Andre Gray’s late goal gave the visitors the victory at the Swansea.com Stadium, ensuring Martin’s side ended the campaign 15th in the Championship table.

The hosts could easily have taken something from the game. The Swans having a Hannes Wolf goal ruled out for a marginal offside call, while the Austrian, Michael Obafemi, Joel Piroe and Cameron Congreve were all denied by QPR keeper Seny Dieng.

It saw Swansea finish the campaign with back-to-back defeats following a nine-match unbeaten sequence.

And the head coach was unhappy with a display that he felt lacked energy and intensity for long periods.

“It was a really disappointing way to finish the season,” said Martin.

“In the first half we were too slow and laboured, there was not enough intensity.

“A lot comes into that, I think a few players were in self-preservation mode and a few who are maybe unsure of their futures here.

“It was frustrating and the crowd got frustrated. We did score a goal that was onside I have been told by our analysts, which maybe changes the game and sparks it into life.

“The feeling was disappointing, the performance was disappointing and it transmitted to the supporters as well.

“The back three and goalkeeper took an awful lot of responsibility in the first half and did not get anywhere near enough help.

“I thought they were great, the ball was with them continuously because there was not enough energy and help. When we did get into the final third we gave it away far too cheaply.

“We had people looking to finish the season on a high, trying to force the killer pass and making decisions that might not have been taken had it not been the last game and had we felt mentally that there was really something riding on the game.”

And Martin felt the Swans had paid the price for having to move Flynn Downes onto the right side of the defence following an injury to Joel Latibeaudiere, with the QPR goal coming down that side.

“I liked us in the second half, we had chances to take something from the game. We should have scored a couple of goals, but we made bad decisions in the final third,” added Martin.

“We got on top and dominated but the goal we concede was so basic and it was because we had to move one of our best midfielders into a different position.

“If Joel (Latibeaudiere) stays on that goal does not happen, but it’s due to the lack of depth. Without that we do not concede that goal.

“People might say just put a centre-half on the bench, but the people on the bench are the people who deserve to be on the bench. It’s as simple as that.

“But that lack of depth has probably been the story of the season for us.”