Swansea City’s unbeaten start to the new Championship campaign came to an end as they were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
Alfa Semedo’s 85th-minute goal in a smash and grab 1-0 win in south Wales meant the Reds made it eight games without defeat in all competitions.
Swansea City manager Steve Cooper brought Wayne Routledge into his starting team as the Welsh side looked to achieve five straight league victories for the first time since December 2007. Forest made five changes to their side.
Cooper’s Swansea dominated possession in the opening periods of the match but the best chances fell to the visitors. Sammy Ameobi charged into the Swansea half and continued his run after finding Yuri Ribeiro in support.
Ribeiro played a creative pass to Joao Carvalho, who flicked the ball back to Ameobi but Freddie Woodman was equal to his shot. Forest missed another opportunity moments later when Lewis Grabban volleyed onto the bar.
The Swans to go in level at half-time but almost gifted Forest an opener when Bersant Celina’s loose back pass was pounced on by Grabban. But Woodman blocked his effort from a tight angle.
Samba Sow also sliced wide for Forest and Swansea’s frustration at failing to build pressure was evident as defenders Jake Bidwell and Mike van der Hoorn tried speculative efforts from distance.
Andre Ayew was having a frustrating afternoon but he sprung to life suddenly and headed Bidwell’s cross narrowly wide. The Ghanaian was becoming an increasing influence on the contest and he tested Samba with a low drive before winning the free-kick which saw the Forest goalkeeper punch clear under pressure.
Swansea pushed for a winner as they went in search of their best-ever start to a league, but they were caught with a sucker punch with five minutes to go.
Grabban picked up the ball deep in his own half after intercepting George Byers’ pass and surged down the right-wing before crossing in the box for Semedo, who beat Woodman at the far post.
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