Swansea manager Garry Monk has admitted his side need to put on a much-improved performance against Tottenham on Sunday after last weekend’s disappointing 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
Monk has overseen a steady campaign to date with the Swans sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, having won six and drawing four of their 15 games so far.
The Welsh side sit just five points behind West Ham in fourth and there have been plenty of signs this season that Monk’s men can battle for European qualification this season, even if securing Champions League football for next term would be a huge ask.
Swansea host Spurs – themselves keen to muscle in on the top four – on Sunday and Monk admits he needs to see a better performance than the one they put on at the Boleyn Ground as it was not up to the standards they have set themselves so far this term.
“It was the first time that we didn’t reach the levels we’ve set ourselves this season,” he said. “We need to react this weekend, put on a positive performance and put to bed last weekend’s display.”
Monk will give summer signing Federico Fernandez a late fitness test ahead of the Liberty Stadium clash, but even if he is available then the former Napoli man faces a job wrestling a starting role off Kyle Bartley, who signed a new deal at the club before the start of the season after previously being frozen out under old boss Michael Laudrup.
Monk is a big fan of the 23-year-old and is pleased to have competition at the back.
He added: “Kyle has done well but we’ve always known he is a talented footballer and a very good defender. He has had a frustrating time of it here but he has continued to work hard; he has had his chance because of injuries to others and he has taken it.”
Swansea are slight favourites at 2.47 to beat Tottenham (2.80) on Sunday, with the draw on offer at 3.25.
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