Carlos Carvalhal believes Swansea City are showing positive signs of a revival that can yet help them escape relegation from the Premier League.
The Swans manager savoured his team’s 2-1 FA Cup third round replay over Wolves on Wednesday night which came courtesy of Wilfried Bony’s winner after Diogo Jota had equalised in the 66th minute.
The immediate reward for the club is a fourth round trip to Notts County, but Carvalhal was eager to point to a bigger picture of just one defeat in the five games in all competitions since he took over from Paul Clement just before Christmas.
“After five games, we win two, draw two and lose one, so I am pleased,” said Carvalhal.
“Tonight was the best performance in the five games. We corrected mistakes we made against Newcastle and the dynamic was better.
“Wolves were not near our goal for 26 minutes. We pressed well and we managed the ball well to put them under pressure.
“We controlled the game for 45 minutes. In the second-half, the tempo went down and we didn’t press. Their substitutes created problems and they scored.
“But we reacted well again to score and then it was time to close the house down and turn off the lights.”
Carvalhal also showered his praise on Jordan Ayew and his stunning opening goal, which brought back memories of Ricky Villa’s famous dribble that decided the 1981 FA Cup final replay.
“I am very pleased for Jordan. He is a fighter. He wanted to come off, but I told him he had to stay on and he kept fighting.
“I like players like this. He is a team worker and when he scored I was very pleased.
“I am not completely happy with things, but this has been a good five-game series and the team is progressing and showing maturity. We are building something.
“The team spirit is fantastic and this is what I wanted to see.”
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his club’s best chance had gone with their 0-0 draw at home in the opening game.
“I think we did not come out well, but we reacted well in the second half,” said Nuno.
“We drew level and we had the momentum, but we did not react to their goal. But even when you don’t win I can see positive signs that we are growing.
“Our big opportunity was the first game but we showed again today that we are ready to compete against anyone.”
Carvalhal claimed he could yet strengthen his squad and bring in new signings before Monday’s game against Liverpool – but only if they are of better quality than the players he has currently.
“It is realistic someone can come in before Liverpool. But I only want players who can cover gaps in the team and have different abilities.
“To fight for those players and bring them here is not easy. I will not talk about names, but we are fighting for players.”