Swans boss Martin praises matchwinner Piroe

Russell Martin praised an outstanding display from Joel Piroe after the Dutch striker’s emphatic finish gave the head coach his first league win in charge of Swansea City.

Piroe struck the only goal of the game in the 19th minute, firing home a rebound after his original shot had come back off the post.

It was his third goal in four appearances since joining from PSV Eindhoven and it proved the only goal of the game as Swansea claimed just a second win at Ashton Gate in 28 years.

And the Swans boss was delighted with Piroe’s efforts, not just with the ball, but with the work he did without it for his team.

“I thought Joel was outstanding. I thought he took his goal brilliantly and he looked a real threat all night,” said Martin.

“That wasn’t just because of what he did in possession, but he made a lot of runs for the team to give other people space and enabled other people to get the ball.

“He was a real threat and he worked so hard out of possession, he was absolutely finished at the end when we took him off.

“He put in a brilliant shift, he earned his opportunity to start tonight and he has taken it with both hands.

“It is exciting for us to see what he can go on and achieve this season.”