Wolves draw bittersweet for Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes securing Swansea’s top-flight status is a “monumental achievement” but admits the manner of the 4-4 draw with Wolves had taken the edge off the accomplishment.

The point picked up in yesterday’s breathless eight-goal encounter ensured the Swans are mathematically safe with two games of the season still to go.

Having been tipped by many for an immediate return to the Championship following their play-off final win at Wembley last May, the Welsh side have confounded expectations with their effective possession style.

Notable wins over Arsenal and Manchester City have been picked up along the way, and the hosts appeared on track to secure safety in style when they took a 3-0 lead inside 15 minutes against relegated Wolves.

Midfielder Andrea Orlandi opened the scoring with his first goal in two years after just 25 seconds, with Joe Allen and Nathan Dyer also finding the net.

But relegated Wolves rallied as Steven Fletcher and the outstanding Matt Jarvis struck either side of Danny Graham grabbing Swansea’s fourth goal.

And Terry Connor’s side completed their comeback in the second half as David Edwards and Jarvis found the net.

And despite being assured of another season in the Premier League, Rodgers could not hide his disappointment.

“There is no doubt because of the level we are up against that this is a monumental achievement,” he said.

“I will think more over the next few days but for little Swansea City to have another season when the odds were against us, makes us really proud. I won’t forget that.

“This result was disappointing but we didn’t lose the game. I can see the real achievement of what has happened.

“I think it also shows that we are disappointed when we draw with teams like Bolton and Wolves, who have been in the division for years. We will take time to reflect and it will shine more next.

“But it was disappointment because we were so good and what gets lost in that was the conceding of the goals when we have been so good defensively this season.

“It’s only down to mental concentration. I can understand it because the players have been brilliant this year and when you are 3-0 up and 4-1 up you have to manage the game.

“There is still an awful lot of improvement in us as a group.”

Despite their remarkable fightback Wolves have still yet to taste victory under Connor’s guidance.

In 11 games since succeeding Mick McCarthy, the Molineux club have picked up just three points.

But they showed tremendous character to get back in the game after their nightmare start, especially as the match came just six days after defeat against Manchester City condemned them to spending next season in the second tier of English football.

Connor’s future is uncertain as he is only in charge until the end of the campaign, but he insists he will be comfortable with whatever decision the club take over the manager’s position come the summer.

“I am just hoping to get through to the 13th of May,” he said.

“I will let the club know my views on my 13 games in charge and of this season as a whole.

“We will see what we did well, what we need to improve and whichever direction the club take will be fine with me.”