Swansea Rocked By Late Barkley Winner

by Matthew Thomas

Ross Barkley’s late free-kick gave Roberto Martinez his first league victory over Swansea, since leaving the Liberty in 2009.

Swansea were looking to extend their unbeaten run against their former manager, but were behind to a Seamus Coleman thunderbolt, before a Bryan Oviedo own-goal brought them level. England international Ross Barkley struck from twenty-five yards to seal a 2-1 win for Everton.

Having not scored a league goal against the Toffees, Swansea went close early on. A surging run from Shelvey produced a great cross from the midfielder which evaded the oncoming Wayne Routledge.

Yet, as is the story of the season, sloppy play from the Swans in their own half gifted Kevin Mirallas a chance to run at the defence. Luckily for Swansea he shot straight at Gerhard Tremmel when he had two other teammates better placed.

And other piece of carelessness from Chico Flores put Swansea on the back foot and Ashley Williams had to block another effort from Mirallas.

With only four Premier League goals, Swansea City supporters can feels slightly disappointed with the goal return of Wilfried Bony, and the Ivorian was wasteful again in front of goal when he shot high when played in by Routledge.

It was a steady end to the half with Jose Canas and Pablo Hernandez firing well wide and over as the first half ended goalless.

The second period started slowly with very few chances created but with an hour gone Everton had a great chance to take the lead. Ross Barkley was played in behind Williams and a stumble rescued Swansea from what looked like a certain goal.

And Tremmel had to be alert to keep out Barkley again as a thunderous drive was tipped onto the bar by the German.

Everton’s pressure was relentless and they were deservedly in front on sixty-six minutes. An unstoppable thirty yard strike from Coleman swerved in at the near post.

Against the run of play the Swans were level just four minutes later. Ben Davies cross to the far-post found Dwight Tiendalli whose effort was deflected in off Bryan Oviedo.

And they could have taken the lead when substitute Alvaro Vasquez was put clear by Shelvey but decided to attempt to chip Howard and his tame effort was caught easily by the goalkeeper.

Described as the future of English international football, Barkley produced another piece of magic that sealed the win for Martinez. A cynical foul by Ben Davies gave the 20-year-old a chance to curl in a sublime free-kick which left Tremmel grasping at thin air.

Howard had to be alert to deny Roland Lamah a Swansea equaliser, tipping the wingers dipping volley over the bar.

That was the last of the action as Swansea’s poor home form continues.