Palmer relishes Swansea return

Saturday, February 27th 2021

Kasey Palmer relished his return to the Liberty Stadium where the second time dad-to-be scored to help City grab all three points.

Palmer was back on Swansea turf for the first time after his loan spell in the first half of the season.

It could have been a different afternoon altogether when the attacking midfielder conceded the penalty for handball which led to Andre Ayew opening the scoring.

However, City rallied and equalised through Nahki Wells from Zak Vyner’s perfect cut back before Palmer got himself on the scoresheet to put City ahead directly from a corner.

Antoine Semenyo replaced Palmer deep in added time and the young striker rounded off the afternoon with his first league goal for the Robins as new manager Nigel Pearson got off to the perfect start.

“For me personally that was a rollercoaster game,” Palmer told Robins TV. “I gave away the penalty which at the time I didn’t think it was - but it was! Then to score from the corner and put us 2-1 up, then to win 3-1 is massive for the team.”

Corner routine

Palmer explained how the team had worked on their corner routines and, while he didn’t intend to score directly, he was aiming to put the goalkeeper Freddie Woodman under pressure.

“I wouldn’t say I meant to score but we worked on it yesterday with Simmo (Assistant Head Coach Paul Simpson), to attack set plays at the keeper. I had to whip the ball and thankfully it went in, so I’ll claim it!”

Kasey Palmer's curling corner sails over Freddie Woodman for City's second goal

Valiant defending

It was goalless at the break after a first half where Swansea were the dominant force. But under their instructions from Pearson during the interval and a formation shift with Zak Vyner pushing into the midfield, the Robins looked a brighter outfit in the second half.

Despite falling behind Palmer said the team showed what they were about to change their fortunes and go on to secure not only a big win in South Wales, but there second win on the road in a row this week following the 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough.

Jack Hunt calm on the ball as City weather a Swansea storm

Tactical change

Palmer said: “I think it was the tactical change from the gaffer. We went four at the back in a 4-3-3 so we were more on the front foot, we could get closer to them to press and it showed as the intensity went up.

“After they scored we stepped up our game, we showed fight and togetherness to get back into it and get the three points.”

Zak Vyner pushes forward after a formation switch

Belief is back

He added: “We went through a very tricky patch and during that time we stuck together. We weren’t intentionally losing, we worked hard but it was coming for us. Now the belief is back, we believe we can win, we’re scoring goals, we’re getting chances and defending well. The foundations are there for us to kick on so who knows what can happen for the rest of the season.

New man in charge

“You just have to work hard,” he continued, reflecting on life under Pearson. “You don’t want to get on the wrong side of him but he wants us to play, enjoy ourselves. The hard work is the foundation of how he wants us to play but it’s also about individuals doing what they do well to help us win. We showed that today, we worked hard and the quality came through in the end.”

Kasey Palmer celebrates with Adrian Mariappa

Expectant father

And it’s set to be a time of further celebrations for Palmer, with his second son to be born in Swansea.

He said: “It’s a strange one. My second boy will be born in Swansea and I’ve come here and scored against the aside I was playing with earlier in the season! I enjoyed my time at Swansea but I’m buzzing we’ve come here and got our three points, so we’ll take it.”