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Crystal Palace 0-1 Swansea City
Match Report by Soccernet
Shefki Kuqi returned to haunt Crystal Palace by scoring the only goal to stretch Swansea's unbeaten run to eight Coca-Cola Championship matches.
The Finland striker marked his first start for the Swans since his recent switch from German side TuS Koblenz by scoring the only goal of the game in his first return to Selhurst Park since leaving the club in the summer.
The experienced frontman was offered a new deal to stay at Palace in the summer but was not happy with the terms and opted to leave the troubled London club.
And Kuqi showed cash-strapped Palace exactly what they were missing as he tucked home a neat first-half finish to keep the Swans' promotion bid on track and end Neil Warnock's side's run of three consecutive victories.
Swansea started to dictate the play early on with their trademark slick passing and movement and Spanish midfielder Andrea Orlandi tried his luck from long range but Julian Speroni made a comfortable save.
And it came as no surprise when the visitors took the lead after 14 minutes courtesy of the Kuqi.
Orlandi was the architect, threading the ball through to the Finland international who kept his composure and tucked a neat finish beyond Speroni from an acute angle.
Palace responded and started to compete in midfield but Swansea almost caught them out 28 minutes in when winger Nathan Dyer nipped in but dragged his shot into the side-netting from 12 yards out.
The Eagles felt they should have had a penalty 12 minutes before half-time when Alan Lee went down under a challenge from Kuqi, but referee Graham Scott saw nothing untoward.
Lee was causing some real problems for the Swans' defence but the experienced striker failed to get a strong connection on a cross from Lee Hills.
Paulo Sousa's side were almost two goals to the good four minutes into the second half but Argentinian keeper Speroni made a magnificent save to deny the lively Orlandi.
Defender Kieran Djilali was presented with an opportunity to draw the home side level but his finish looped over Dorus De Vries and over the crossbar.
Palace showed no shortage of endeavour but they were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn Swansea side and De Vries was rarely called into action.
Swans full-back Fede Bessone let fly with a long-range drive but his effort was never going to trouble Speroni.
Palace continued to push forward in search of the equaliser and Sean Scannell saw his overhead kick land just over the bar from close range but that was as close as Palace came.
Match Commentsby Richard of Warwick
De Vries
Had nothing to do in the first half except be our eleventh outfield player. Distribution very good - played one lovely 40m pass to Tate with the assurance of a midfielder.
Second half did what was required. A couple of good catches under the high ball. One strong punch when needed. Played his part in a brilliant defensive display.
Tate
What can you say about him that hasn't been said before? Solid as a rock. Some very important tackles that he made because his reading of the game is so good. A few forays forward but this was about defending, and he did it with style. A couple of trademark collapses to earn free-kicks and slow the game at critical times. Put his body in where it hurts for the cause.
Monk and Williams
Battled and battled and battled. And, more importantly, won the battle. Out on their feet at the end, particularly Williams. But the constant aerial threat was nullified really and we had very few scares. Maybe began to sit a bit deep in the final stages, but what do I know!
Bessone
Great game. Some very good passing early on. Probing, straight passes forward that set us going. Ambitious then, so not all came off. Defensively sound again but got forward too and offered a threat. Two strong jinking runs forward into their box, one in each half, that could have been rewarded. Pinged a cracking shot at the end of his second run which whistled just left of the post. Not sure how wide, but Speroni was a spectator and had it been straight I reckon he would have watched it all the way into his net.
Britton
Busy. Important. But this was not a night for us keeping and moving it. Defensively, worked his socks off. Worryingly, limped off when subbed. Hopefully, just fatigue and not a knock. We are a much better team with Leon at the heart of things. Found himself alone at centre half on two occasions. He handled it with aplomb, of course.
Orlandi
A big game from Andrea this one. Involved in all our good stuff in the very early stages. Played a big part in the goal. But didn't let us down in the battle either. Won lots of midfield headers and clattered into tackles. Not the Orlandi that his detractors would expect to see.
Pratley
Worked hard for the team, but another game that Pratley has not really left his mark on. Not helped by the Ref who ignored the many fouls on him - maybe went down too easy for this Ref?
Dyer
Things didn't quite click for Nathan tonight. Moments of brilliance but not consistent. Hit the side netting after brilliantly making the chance for himself. In a way I'm glad he shot, as it showed his confidence is not damaged by that miss Saturday, but a pass was possibly on. Very impressed by his defensive contribution in the second half. Hared back, harried and challenged like a big 'un.
Gower
Not a great game. But didn't let us down either. When Sousa talks about Cotts learning to play with his back to goal think of Gower's contribution to keep-ball and shape. Didn't look match sharp by a long way, but he has been out for a while. He, and the squad, will benefit by having him more ready.
Kuqi
This fellah gives us a different option. Belt it forward in air and he causes havoc and panic. Surprisingly quick to get under it, and then to chase the resulting bouncing ball. Chased it into the corners and made them kick it away to touch. Never allowed the keeper to be comfortable on the ball. We played a different game because he was there. Monk even lobbed a free-kick forward from our half towards his head - had we changed shirts early? Tucked his goal away well, a conservative celebration, and later only one minor confrontation with the home support.
Cotterill
Looked very assured indeed when on for Gower. Immediately gave us back some control of the ball. Looked to get inside and fashion a shooting opportunity. This boy has lots of goals in him, I would say.
Allen
Thrown into the chaotic final stages when a berserker was more useful than finesse. If you can survive in that, then you are a man, my son. Who said that, or something like it? He wasn't wrong.
Pintado
On with 89 on the clock but had at least six to play. Immediate impact with first touch, breaking forward but hit a dreadful ball towards Kuqi.
Team
Brilliant. Very, very professional. Got a lead and defended it. Early corners - all forward and Leon left at the back, even a bit exposed. Later corners - four at the back, two sitting in front of them. This was not pretty, but I tell you what, it was a tough and savvy performance.
Just what was needed against a horrible team with a horrible manager. | 