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Bob Bradley: 'Extra special' first Premier League win can turn Swansea's season around

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Bob Bradley says he'll never forget his first win as Swansea manager after they beat Crystal Palace 5-4

Bob Bradley says his first Premier League win can turn Swansea's season around after a "wild finish" to their 5-4 victory over Crystal Palace.

Two stoppage-time goals from Fernando Llorente saw Swansea claim their first league win since the opening weekend of the season in a game which swung in both teams' favour during a thrilling encounter. 

Having been 3-1 behind, Palace drew level through a Jack Cork own-goal before Christian Benteke put them 4-3 ahead in the 84th minute, only to end up losing the game after Llorente's late brace.

Bob Bradley says he will never forget his first win as Swansea manager
Image: Bob Bradley says he will never forget his first win as Swansea manager

Despite having sympathy for Palace manager Alan Pardew, whose side have now suffered six top-flight defeats in a row, Bradley hopes the manner of the result can change Swansea's fortunes. 

"I've been on both sides, so I know what it's like for Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew," said Bradley.

"But for our group, we've had a stretch where it feels like nothing has gone our way. When I see the ball deflect off Jack Cork's head for the third goal I'm thinking more of the same.

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Swansea 5-4 Crystal Palace

"But they get credit because they kept going, and sometimes you need something like that to turn a season around. From the day I arrived I appreciate what kind of guys they are, love the club, and maybe we can use it in the most positive way possible." 

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Bradley added: "That's a wild finish. To take the first win like that and know how important it is for the players and supporters, extra special." 

Llorente was left on the bench for Swansea's 1-1 draw against Everton last weekend, but Bradley denied any issue with the club's summer signing after he came on to secure the win over Palace on Saturday. 

SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 26:  Fernando Llorente of Swansea City celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the Premier League match between Swansea C
Image: Fernando Llorente 'showed what he can do' for Swansea, says Bradley

"So much got made of the decision last week but the discussion between Fernando and myself was positive," said Bradley.

"There was never one second where he misunderstood the message. He came on and showed what he can really do for our team going forward." 

Bradley also hailed the Swansea supporters after disagreements between the club's owners and the supporters' trust.

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Tony Cottee shares his thoughts on the extraordinary game between Swansea and Crystal Palace

"The fans, man the fans," said Bradley. "I know that it's been difficult. I tried to speak at the press conference on Thursday about how there's different things going on between the supporters' trust and club, and everything.

"The most important thing is that when we come here to the Liberty that everything is put aside and we are all together. Hopefully today shows that. It's the loudest I heard it."

Swansea moved above Sunderland with the win and are now just two points behind Crystal Palace in 16th. 

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