Barclays Premier League

Swansea City 2

Manchester United 1

Swansea City came from behind to seal victory and complete their first ever double over Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium.

Ander Herrera’s first time strike gave the Red Devils the lead, but it was short lived as Ki Sung-Yueng flicked in an equaliser to square matters at half time, and Jonjo Shelvey’s venomous strike deflected off Beftembi Gomis’ head to fly into the net, with the delighted Swans striker credited with the winning goal.

Swansea City have completed away and home victories to complete the double against Manchester United for the first time in the club’s history.

This result was no more than what Swansea City deserved, as they stay ninth in the table and Van Gaal’s team slipped down from third to fourth.

Yes United had the lion’s share of possession and territory, but Louis van Gaal’s team lacked that vital cutting edge in front of goal, which was purely down to superb resilient defending by the Swans’ outstanding back four consisting of Neil Taylor, skipper Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez and new recruit Kyle Naughton.

Van Gaal’s team looked vulnerable at set pieces, in the fifth minute the Red Devils were at disarray as Sigurdsson’s accurate corner in the box was met by a powerful Gomis header which was cleared off the goal line by Herrera at the right-hand post. Five minutes later and Gomis headed over the crossbar, when the Swans striker really should have found the back of the net.

A clever move down the right by the Swans, where McNair, who looked uncomfortable playing at right back, saw Gomis feed Taylor in acres of space, the left back’s low cross fell to Routledge in the box, but the midfielder hurried his tame shot straight into the grateful arms of De Gea.

In the 27th minute the visitors took the lead with a cracking well worked goal, against the run of play, Shaw made inroads down the left wing, squared the ball to Rooney on the edge of the area, one touch pass to Di Maria, who fed Herrera in acres of space, the Spaniard looked up and struck a low first time shot just inside the area into the far corner of Fabianski’s net.

However, Garry Monk’s team responded immediately and equalised with a superb well worked goal just two minutes later.

Shelvey’s inch perfect cross in United’s box was met with a deft flick by Ki Sung-Yueng who comfortably beat Shaw with an exquisite finish.

United tried to get another goal before the break, van Persie hit the crossbar and Rooney skied another effort well over the crossbar.

Van Gaal brought on Antonio Valencia at right back for the struggling McNair at the start of the second half.

The visitors dominated for the next 15 minutes, but failed to force a decent save out of Fabianski. Ashley Young replaced Luke Shaw on the left side for the Reds, his quality crosses kept the Swans defence on their toes, Rooney miscued a shot from close range, van Persie struck the side-netting, but Monk’s side determinedly stood firm. Rojo failed to get a decent connection with a header from a Di Maria corner.

In the 72nd minute the Swans scored their second goal of an highly entertaining clash, Shelvey was not closed down and the midfielder made the visitors pay as he unleashed a stunning right footed shot from 25 yards out, it deflected off Gomis’ head on the edge of the area and flew past De Gea for a stunning winner.

At the post match press conference both manager’s expressed their contrasting point of views.

“We had to ride some pressure in the second half, but we expected that from a quality outfit like United,” said Swansea City manager Garry Monk. “We responded well when they took the lead and we played well in the first half. Bafetimbi’s goal was very pleasing; he deserved that for his work rate. Terrific shot by Jonjo, but it was Bafetimbi’s goal it has been agreed in the changing room. The players stuck to our plan and I’m delighted that we have taken six points off Manchester United this season, and completed the double for the first time in our history, that is something the players, club and supporters can all be proud of.”

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said: “It’s always frustrating to lose when you are the better team. We didn’t take our chances and that cost us. We dominated the second half and they had one shot and scored. I felt Gomis was possibly off side. This result was very disappointing.”

 

Swansea City: Lukasz Fabianski, Neil Taylor, Federico Fernandez, Ashley Williams (Captain), Kyle Naughton, Ki Sung-Yueng, Wayne Routledge, Jack Cork, Gylfi Sigurdsson (72, Jefferson Montero), Jonjo Shelvey (90, Jordi Amat), Bafetimbi Gomis.

Yellow cards: Ashley Williams, Jonjo Shelvey.

Substitutes not used: Gerhard Tremmel, Leon Britton, Marvin Emnes, Nelson Oliveira, Angel Rangel.

Manchester United: David De Gea, Luke Shaw (58, Ashley Young), Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Paddy McNair (45, Antonio Valencia), Angel Di Maria (79, Juan Mata), Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney (Captain), Robin van Persie.

Substitutes not used: Victor Valdes, Radamel Falcao, Adnan Januzaj, Chris Smalling.

Yellow cards: Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini.

Referee: N. Swarbeck.

Assistants: S. Ledger and M. Perry.

Fourth official: L. Probert.