Swansea City has to stay hot, according to Joe Allen, if they want to stay out of the Championship’s freezing depths.
The first goal in the weekend’s 2-1 victory over back-pedaling Blackburn set up the former Wales midfielder’s club for back-to-back wins.
The Swans are still just four points above the drop zone, though, the same distance as they were before to their wins against Sunderland and Rovers. The teams in the bottom half of the table are all beginning to gain ground.
“After a fantastic victory away at Sunderland, it was a very important win, but the goal now has to be to get more wins at home and keep the fans happy,” Allen remarked.
We have an intense desire to improve our performance both at work and at home.
“It hasn’t happened as much as we would have liked this season, and hopefully that’s the first of many victories. I think we owe our home supporters more points and performances.”
Only his second goal of a season marred by injuries was scored by Allen.
With eleven additional appearances coming off the bench, the former Liverpool and Stoke City player has only achieved three Championship starts.
“I’ve been waiting in the wings and itching to start games,” he said candidly.
“I think our team is competitive, and this game demonstrated the quality of our bench.
“It’s fantastic to have, but it also means that anyone starting games needs to play well all the time, and that’s what I’ll have to do to stay on the team.”
Following Allen’s first goal, Jamie Paterson gave the Swans a 2-0 lead before Sammie Szmodics, the top scorer in the Championship, gave Blackburn a goal back with his 25th of the year.
Rovers, however, were not merciless enough to take any more chances, and as a result of their loss, they are now only one point above the infamous dotted line.
At the bottom, though, there are just six points separating 11 teams and four more clubs separating Blackburn from 22nd place.
After six games in charge, manager John Eustace is still searching for his first victory, but he is certain that his team has the tenacity to continue in the league.
“We have character, we don’t give up, and we have 11 really big games coming up. Our fight is there for everyone to see,” Eustace said.
Szmodics, who continues to score goals despite Rovers’ decline, is another asset of the former Birmingham City manager.
“He was outstanding,” Eustace said.
Everyone can see his enthusiasm, drive, and work ethic.
“He deserves to achieve his goals because of the way he works and plays for the team, and he sets a great example.”