Puel Praises Swansea’s Defensive Play in 1-1 Draw

Leicester City boss Claude Puel was complimentary of Swansea’s defending as they held on for a 1-1 draw at the Kingpower Stadium.

The home side were well on top in the first half, with the Swans registering no shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes. Vardy opened the scoring within 20 minutes following some soft Swansea defending. A goal was later ruled out for offside while Mawson had to make a block on the line to deny Iheanacho.

The Swans soon punished Leicester for failing to make the most of their first-half dominance, as Fernandez was left unmarked by Fuchs to head in from Ki’s corner. Leicester regained control soon after but like we’ve done in recent games, we defended well and held on for a point.

Puel said:

“It is a big frustration. I think first well done to Swansea because they defended very well. They had just one chance in the game and I think we played very well in the first half. We created a lot of chances. We created of chances with quality and good combinations, a good understanding.

“It was amazing but without the final the clinical edge. We had to score another goal in the first half because it was a good period with quality. We put them under pressure with all these chances.

“It was a bit more difficult in the second half and perhaps there was some tiredness. We finished the game stronger and it is a big frustration because we conceded one chance in the entire game and we conceded a set piece goal.

“It is harsh for the team but we have to correct this situation because we conceded a lot of goals from set pieces since the beginning of the season. We could have had a good reward after this game because of a lack of focus and concentration from a set piece. It is harsh.”

It was another big point gained for the Swans. Coming back from a goal down at Leicester City is a tough ask, who looked very strong. They had an excellent attacking dynamic that made it difficult for the Swans to defend against and maintain a good defensive structure.

Leroy Fer’s ankle injury after 36 minutes was a concern after being stretchered off. Some fans might not have cared too much about the news a few weeks ago, but he’s really stepped up under Carvalhal and he’ll be missed if he’s out for any length of time.