Swansea seal third straight home win | OneFootball

Steve Cooper admitted Swansea City had scraped and scuffed their way to a messy 1-0 at home to Rotherham but was still ecstatic.

It takes a variety of different ways to win games in a promotion-winning season and the Swans manager was quick to suggest this was the type of win that may have eluded his team in the past.

It has been three years since Swansea had last won in their return game back after an international break, back in 2017 under Paul Clement.

The hosts dominated for large spells but he to hold on during the last few stages of the second half after Rotherham were trying to force an equaliser.

Captain Matt Grimes scored his first goal from open play for five years in the 27th minute when he fired a half-volley from the edge of the box that goalkeeper Jamal Blackman fumbled and failed to keep out for the games only goal.

However, it could have been different had the referee gave a penalty at the end after Swansea defender Ryan Bennett apparent hand ball on the lines but, thankfully for Swansea the referee waved away the protests.

Speaking after the game Steve Cooper said, “I am really happy with it, it was a hard-fought game,” We created some really good chances that we could and should have done better with”

He also spoke about the absence of some key players with Andre Ayew missing due to injury.

“We are missing players unfortunately through no fault of our own… but we showed a lot of character and I am  really pleased with that.”

Cooper confirmed that forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Jordon Garrick were absent having returned positive Covid-19 tests.

“Viktor and Jordon have tested positive for the virus,” said Cooper.

“They’re fine and there’s no symptoms. Viktor’s been on international duty with Sweden’s Under-21s, Jordon’s been in and around here.

So, an important victory for Swansea as they close the gap on the top two.