Swansea City recorded their first home league win of the Championship season thanks to a 1 nil win over Queens Park Rangers at the Swansea.com stadium.
Joel Piroe scored the only goal of the game on 21 minutes, his 3rd goal in a week. It was just reward for the Dutchman, who had seen his penalty saved by QPR stopper Seny Dieng just minutes earlier.
Martin said of last season’s top scorer – “I was shocked he missed the penalty. He still is and such are his standards that he is really annoyed in the dressing room,” said Martin.”
“He scored the winning goal but he’s really angry with himself. What a brilliant young man. He has grown over the last year. What he gives us physically, out of possession, goes under-estimated and under the radar.”
Steven Benda replaced Andy Fisher in goal for the Swans, as new loan signings Armstrong Oko-Flex, Luke Cundle and Fin Stevens, all made appearances off the bench.
Martin revealed that the loan players and the likes of Ollie Cooper deserved the chance to be included in the 18-man squad over other members of the first team, such as Michael Obafemi and Olivier Ntcham, who were both omitted from the match day squad.
When asked why Martin said: “Because the others deserved to be in it more than them. It’s that simple”.
Perhaps the most important thing for Martin and his team however, was that for once, they were able to hold onto the lead and see the game out – unlike the stoppage time calamities against Oxford, Millwall and Stoke City.
Russell Martin Reacts to win over QPR
This is what Martin had to say in his post match press conference.
Feature Image Credit: Swansea City Football Club