x

Koeman - That Wasn't Our Best

The words of Southampton boss Ronald Koeman would have rung out loud in the ears of all Swans fans after he declared that his side's 3-1 win over us at St Marys was not his team at their best.

The ease at which Southampton brushed past us was concerning as it also took them above us in the league table after starting the day nine places behind us which tells you much about how competitive the Premier League is in this early days of the season.

When it got to 3-0 yesterday afternoon then there was every likelihood that there would be more goals as the Swans looked like a side that was short on confidence and also lacking the ability to threaten Southampton to a level that they had something serious to think about.

After a superb first few weeks to the season the last couple have been ones to forget as the Swans have stuttered to three defeats in four games with just one goal to show for their efforts. With Spurs up next weekend as a side we have never beaten in the Premier League then it is worrying times for Garry Monk whose side looked as if they could do no wrong just one month ago.

Koeman though believes that his side were not at their best which will ring more alarm bells in the Swans given the scoreline of the game

"I'm satisfied with three points, yes, but maybe it was the best game of the season clinical-wise," said Koeman.

"We didn't create a lot of chances but we scored three times. But the performance was not very good, there were a lot of mistakes in possession.

"The w in is important but it was not the best performance of the season.

"Swansea had some good chances, free shots, and we had to defend in depth much better than we did.

"We got the early goal, the second just after half-time, and then 3-0! But I expect more than just defending the result. Then you have problems, and they get a penalty. But maybe I'm too critical.

"It's not easy to win against Swansea, or to score against Swansea, but we have to control the game much better than we did."

What to read next:

Watch me rise up and leave, all the ashes you made out of me – Report
On Friday night, under the lights at Loftus Road, Queens Park Rangers landed on their wheels, pulled over and asked what you were worried about.
Queens Park Rangers 4 - 0 Leeds United - Photo Gallery
Pictures from Ian Randall on an extraordinary night at Loftus Road as QPR put their season to bed with a 4-0 thumping of promotion chasing Leeds.
Queens Park Rangers 4 - 0 Leeds United - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
End game – Preview
QPR need one result, in any one of a multitude of the remaining games, to secure their Championship safety - they get first swing at getting it for themselves tonight at home to Massive Leeds United.
So near and yet so far - History
Ahead of the visit of Leeds to Loftus Road on Friday we look back at the final day of the 1975/76 season when QPR got the 2-0 win they needed to take their title bid down to Liverpool's final match at Wolves - 48 years ago this week.
Three into two won't go, will Leeds last the pace? Oppo profile
Having started the year with nine straight wins Leeds looked all set to overpower the Championship even in this extreme year at the top, but they’ve dropped points in five of their last ten to put the whole thing back in the balance. Nico Franks and Gruev Armada (@timmsy_ks) gave us the latest.
Bond in charge of Leeds clash - Referee
Premier League referee Darren Bond is the man entrusted with Friday night’s televised clash between QPR and Leeds.
Dykes' long awaited goal secures crucial QPR win - Report
QPR moved themselves to within touching distance of Championship survival with a scrappy, hard fought, tense 1-0 home win against Preston on Saturday.
Queens Park Rangers 1 - 0 Preston North End - Photo Gallery
Pictures from Ian Randall at Loftus Road where Lyndon Dykes scored the only goal and QPR secured a priceless 1-0 win against Preston to all but assure their Championship status for next season.
Queens Park Rangers 1 - 0 Preston North End - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.