Swansea City manager Russell Martin laments “poor first 20 minutes” in defeat to Stoke City

By Mackenzie Thomas

Swansea City boss Russell Martin admitted that his side’s poor start ultimately cost them after they were defeated 3-1 against Stoke City at Swansea.com Stadium. 

Morgan Whittaker handed his boyhood club the perfect start just 98 seconds in, prior to Potters captain Josh Laurent firing a quick fire brace before half time. 

Lewis Baker then added a third goal in injury time to dampen the home side’s chances of making a late sweep for the play-offs, while securing his side’s first league away win in three matches. 

“We are paying for a really poorly managed 20 minutes,” said the Swans boss post-match.

“We want the players to play and be brave, but too often we gave the ball when we should not have and put players under huge pressure.

“When we did beat the press, Stoke sent a lot of players to press and took some risks and backed their physicality.

“We looked dangerous in spells but there were too many times where we let them regain the ball too quickly, and the anxiety was massive in the team.

“To concede two goals in that time is just so disappointing after a great start. The goals we concede far outweigh the expected goals against us, it’s the biggest swing in the league, negatively.”

Whittaker was Swansea’s brightest spark as he made his long-awaited return following a loan spell at Plymouth Argyle in Sky Bet League Two.

And Martin was left pleased with his forward’s performance and impact in the opening goal of the night. 

“Morgan done great,” he added. “I was really pleased for him, he wants to be in the middle of the pitch at times and doesn’t want to be out wide, but I thought he done really well out there. 

“His flexibility and finishing ability will definitely help us going forward and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he finishes the rest of the season.”