Swansea won their fourth consecutive game as they produced one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Championship. Despite a goal from Black Cats winger Jack Clarke in the 51st minute, Ollie Cooper and Harry Darling’s goals in the first half were enough for Russell Martin’s team to secure their sixth spot in the standings. A Sunderland team that was equally dangerous in the second half as they were uninterested in the first forced Swansea to work hard for the three points.
Swansea’s 2-0 halftime lead gave them the impression they would cruise to victory, but whatever Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray said to his players at the break had the desired impact. Their comeback in the first quarter of the second half ought to have resulted in more than just Clarke’s goal. However, despite the Swans completely dominating the first 45 minutes, there was no indication of such desperation. It was expected when the breakthrough occurred. In the 13th minute, Ryan Manning’s floating pass down the left flank found captain Matt Grimes, whose slide-rule cross was deflected into the goal by Cooper.
