Joe Allen Tells Swansea City: One Nervy Home Win Is Not Yet Payback To Fans

By Gareth James.

Joe Allen admits Swansea City will need to stay hot if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.

The former Wales midfielder scored the opening goal against back-pedaling Blackburn at the weekend, propelling his team to a 2-1 victory.
However, with the clubs near the bottom all picking up points, the Swans are only four points above the drop zone, the same margin as before their triumphs over Sunderland and Rovers.

“It was a very important win after a great win away at Sunderland but the aim now has to be to get more wins at home and keep the fans happy,” Allen told the club’s website.

“We are desperate to improve our results and performance at home.

“It hasn’t occurred as much as we’d want this season, and I believe we owe our home fans more points and performances, and hopefully this is the first of many wins.
Allen’s goal was only his second in a season marred by injuries.

The former Liverpool and Stoke City player has only made three Championship starts and 11 more from the bench.

He said, “I’ve been waiting in the wings, eager to start games.

“I believe we have strong competitiveness in the team, and you can see the quality of the bench in this game.

Following Allen’s opener, Jamie Paterson put the Swans ahead 2-0 before Blackburn’s top scorer, Sammie Szmodics, pulled one back with his 25th of the season.

However, Rovers were not ruthless enough to take more chances, and their defeat means they are only one point above the dreaded dotted line.

It’s tight at the bottom, with four other clubs between Blackburn and 22nd place, and 11 clubs separated by only six points.
Boss John Eustace is still seeking for his first win after six games in charge, but he believes his squad has enough drive to stay up.

“Everyone can see our fight; we have character.

“Don’t give up, because we have 11 really big games coming up,” added Eustace.
The former Birmingham City manager also has Szmodics, who is still scoring goals even as Rovers struggle.

“He was fantastic,” Eustace remarked.

“Everyone can see his hard work, passion, and determination.

“The way he works and the way he runs around for the team, he deserves to get his goals and he certainly leads by example.”