Steve Cooper | It wasn't the performance we wanted, but we'll take the point
Steve Cooper was pleased to see Swansea City extend their unbeaten away record against Coventry, but admitted the performance was not of the standard he had been looking for.
Andre Ayew’s third goal of the season – the Ghanaian firing home from Jake Bidwell’s pull-back just before half-time – drew the Swans level after they had been punished for a sluggish start by Jordan Shipley’s fine strike.
A tactical switch at the interval – with Jay Fulton being added into the midfield battle – paid dividends as the visitors began to take control.
But it was the hosts who finished strongest, with Connor Roberts clearing off the line and making a key block in the closing stages.
And while Cooper was disappointed with aspects of the display, he was pleased his players had found a way to get a positive result even when not at their best.
It also saw Swansea's run of away league games - not including play-off games - without defeat increase to nine.
“I was not overly pleased with the first-half performance. I felt we were second best with our work-rate and intensity and doing the non-negotiables of the game,” said the head coach.
“Truth be told I was happy it was 1-1 at half-time, with Andre getting us back in the game in the way he did.
“It was a little bit of a blessing, as when you’re not quite on our game you have to ensure you stay in the game.
“We made a tactical change, I felt we needed an extra body in midfield and there wasn’t as much space as we wanted or planned for Andre in the number 10 position.
“I felt it worked for 25 minutes, we had the momentum but for some reason we gave that up and - before you know it - we are too deep. We are dealing with shots and crosses in our box.
“So, I’m not overly happy with the performance, but I’m happy we stayed in the game and that we did not get beat, as a performance like that means you have to show other sides of your game.
“But the way the game went, I’m not too disappointed with a point.”
