Post by leerain on Nov 7, 2011 0:24:23 GMT -8
Glen Johnson challenges with Joe Allen Allen is Swansea's only first-team regular to come through their youth system
Joe Allen insists Swansea City's impressive goalless draw at Liverpool shows that Brendan Rodgers' men are "here to stay" in the Premier League.
Swansea were applauded from the Anfield pitch by the home fans despite Liverpool failing to win at home for their third successive league game.
Boss Rodgers felt Swansea's performance confirmed their top-flight 'arrival' and Allen reckons it sent a message.
"It is flattering to come off the pitch to that," said the Wales midfielder.
"It will be a confidence boost for us and give us the faith and belief that we're here to stay in the Premier League.
"We passed the ball as if we were playing on our own patch and it takes a brave team to do that at a place like Anfield.
"Not only did we have the stats and possession but we created chances. It is strange to think we could have come away with all three points."
Brendan Rodgers delighted by Swansea's 'giant stride forward'
Mark Gower missed a glorious second-half chance to seal their first win at Anfield late on but the unmarked Swans midfielder blazed Danny Graham's cushioned header over the bar from 12 yards.
Leon Britton also had a penalty appeal turned down as Daniel Agger's foul was adjudged to be outside the area while Wayne Routledge's first-half teasing cross-shot almost deceived Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.
The newly-promoted Swans are unbeaten at home this season but had the joint-worst away record in the Premier League this season prior to their Anfield visit.
But Rodgers' team had played league leaders Manchester City and fellow high-fliers Arsenal and Chelsea.
Swansea's point at Anfield, on a ground where they had never won in 16 attempts, was their second one on the road following their 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, in a game which they dominated.
"There has been a lot of focus on our away form this season," admitted 21-year-old Allen.
"And as a team we have been disappointed with it. But this showed we can go away and perform."
Rodgers has made creating the Liberty Stadium a "fortress" key in ensuring his Swansea remain in the Premier League longer than just one season.
But the Swans boss also understands his team must "nick" points on their travels.
And after holding Liverpool, Rodgers said: "There is not too many teams that walk off at Anfield and get a clap from the Anfield supporters.
"That was a mark of the performance level.
"I felt we were equipped to come to a big team and put in a big performance. Today was a chance to show we have now grown into the league.
"I felt this was mentally very, very important for us, especially for our away performances.
"I said to my players 'we played against a big team but you played like a big team' and they deserve all the plaudits they get."
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