There can be very little in football more satisfying for a manager than watching your team deliver the game plan you have outlined for them before the game.

And that is just what happened to Garry Monk today as Jonjo Shelvey's late goal gave the Swans a win against Southampton for the first time in the Premier League.

Shelvey struck at the end of a great defensive performance for the Swans where they frustrated the home side for large periods and certainly conceded the lion share of the possession in what could be described as an effective away performance.

Shelvey had already hit the post when he scored but it would have been the defensive side of the performance that impressed the Swans boss the most.

“The game plan was to frustrate them, get to the hour mark and then push for the goal,” said the Swans boss. “Tactically, I think we got it spot on today.

“We frustrated them in the first half, then we went for the three points in the second. And what a goal by Jonjo Shelvey - that’s a goal worthy of winning any game.

“I’m happy with the three points in what has been a difficult month for us. We spoke about getting back to basics in the week, and we executed the plan very well.

“We’ve been in a difficult moment, especially in the last two games. We didn’t show the commitment we’ve shown all season. But today was a very committed performance.

“There are periods in a season when you have to adapt. We’ve played some fantastic football this season, but you have to adapt sometimes, and we did that every well today.”

Photo: Action Images

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