Full Time: Swansea City 1-0 Preston North End
Swansea City earned back-to-back Championship wins to maintain their impressive start under new boss Graham Potter after beating Preston.
Under driving rain at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea showed their Premier League qualities and went ahead after the half-hour mark, thanks to thumping near post Jay Fulton header from Joel Asoro’s cross.
But after a high-intensity first half, the levels dropped in the second half as Preston dominated possession but couldn’t create clear-cut chances. They gave everything for the cause but fell short. However, Ollie McBurnie’s miss late on could have made the win safe but instead, Fulton’s goal remained the difference between both sides.
Swansea City Player Ratings
Kristoffer Nordfeldt – 5/10
Nordfeldt stuck to his guns between the sticks before pulling up after taking a regulation catch at his near post. Graham Potter and the fans will hope the injury is not too serious.
Connor Roberts – 7/10
Excellent in the attack and while he was also defensively diligent, he got exposed a couple of times. If he can improve his defending, then he will be a top full-back for the Swans.
Mike van der Hoorn – 8/10
Bartley and Fernandez’s departure has left Swansea with Mike Van der Hoorn as the only senior centre-back. The Dutchman showed his experience to keep the Preston attackers at bay and will need to start taking extra responsibility this term.
Joe Rodon – 8/10
A debut which was nothing but excellent, 20-year-old Rodon surpassed all the expectations and defended very well. Such an assured display from the youngster.
Martin Olsson – 7/10
Olsson looked lively in the first half as he constantly bombed up and down the left flank. Faded a bit after the break but overall, a solid performance from the Swede.
Jay Fulton – 8/10
Scored his first league goal in Swansea colours. Showed some really good touches, but his high pressing and energy to do so consistently were standout.
Tom Carroll – 7/10
Carroll had a really lively first half as he showed the confidence to move forward with the ball. His influence faded after the break as Preston pushed for the equaliser.
Joel Asoro – 7/10
Was always a threat to the Preston defenders with his explosive pace and directness. Provided a sublime cross for Fulton’s header.
Bersant Celina – 7/10
Swansea’s creative hub, Celina had a solid if not spectacular game. A tidy passer of the ball but becomes really dangerous at the edge of the opposition box.
Barrie McKay – 7/10
Not as influential as he was last week, but McKay won a penalty and won the free-kick that led to the winner. He is a creative player who needs to perform consistently.
Oli McBurnie – 6/10
McBurnie missed a penalty, but he put in a lot of effort for his team. Worked his socks off and seems to relish the Championship challenge.
Substitutes
Erwin Mulder – 6/10
Mulder replaced the injured Nordfeldt and lived up to the task. He made some really good saves off Harrop and Nmecha as Preston battled for an equaliser.
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Matt Grimes – 5/10
Grimes was thrown in to pack the midfield and he stuck to his job.
Leroy Fer – 5/10
Fer is back from the injury that cut short his Premier League campaign last year. Added bite to the midfield.
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