A solitary strike from Ki Sung-Yueng was enough to secure a vital three points for Swansea, as they triumphed over a rather sorry West Brom side.

Swansea's struggles continued last time out with a 0-0 draw with West Ham, where Alan Curtis' men really should have claimed all three points. Wayne Routledge and Jefferson Montero returned to the line-up in a bid to provide some attacking flair, with Jack Cork and Bafetimbi Gomis dropping to the bench.

West Brom's three game run of draws was ended by a dramatic and controversial 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth; the team were now falling down the table at a rate of knots following a solid start. Both James McClean and Salomon Rondon were sent off in that match, as Tony Pulis opted for Claudio Yacob and Ricky Lambert in their place.

Ki gives Swans early lead

It was a rather turgid beginning to the game, with a real lack of accurate or meaningful passing. Both Andre Ayew and Lambert were isolated in the opening exchanges, but there would be an early goal to give Swansea the lead. Angel Rangel managed to squeeze in a shot before he was tackled, with the ball bobbling off the post and onto Boaz Myhill's back. The Welsh stopper lost track of the rebound, and Ki Sung-Yueng was able to pounce and give the home faithful a much needed boost.

West Brom tried to respond immediately, and very nearly did with Chris Brunt's free-kick. Leon Britton managed to flick the ball over the bar, but only just. The Baggies also had a penalty claimed turned down by Roger East, as Rangel went through the back of Darren Fletcher. The rebound fell kindly for Lambert, though Britton was in the way once again.

After that it was a real struggle for both sides, and they couldn't string enough passes together to make effective moves up the pitch. A series of long balls made the way through to the 'keepers and missed the lone forwards, in what was turning out to be a rather lacklustre encounter.

Baggies bang on the door, Fabianski keeps them out

West Brom began the second half with more purpose than in the first, and forced Lukas Fabianski into a series of early saves. Lambert was constantly involved, teeing up James Morrison for a shot that was easily held by the Polish stopper. Moments later, however, the veteran forward had a header well saved by the sprawling Fabianski.

Stephane Sessegnon and Saido Berahino were brought on by Tony Pulis in a bid to add some attacking impetus to the game, although it was quickly descending into a half filled with niggly fouls and needless tackles constantly bringing a half to any promising passages of play. Yacob was one such player who was booked for his antics, as the game came into the final stages.

The final effort fell to Morrison, though his shot was blocked and Swansea escaped with all three points. They moved out of the relegation zone ahead of the Newcastle-Everton game, and now sit in 16th. West Brom remain 13th but a fifth game without a win is the last outcome their fans wanted on Boxing Day.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]