Steve Cooper’s touching tribute as boss highlights the ‘brilliant’ Swansea City moments from Norwich City win

Steve Cooper paid a touching tribute to Swansea City fan Mitchell Powell who tragically died during double heart valve replacement surgery this week.

Speaking to reporters after the Swans’ 2-0 win over Norwich City, the head coach started his post-match briefing by dedicating the triumph to the 26-year-old dad-of-one who passed away on Wednesday.

“I’d like to dedicate the result to Mitchell Powell,” said Cooper.

“Unfortunately, we lost one of the Jack Army in awful, tragic circumstances.

“As a football club, our heart goes out to the family. We wish them well.

“If there’s anything we can do for them, then we’ll do our best for them. That’s at the forefront of the club’s mind.

“I’m really pleased on that front that we won the game.”

Andre Ayew struck his ninth goal of the campaign in the first half against Norwich before Conor Hourihane’s stunner – his third goal in as many league games for the Swans – put Swansea in command in the second half.

And Cooper’s troops produced yet another remarkable rearguard effort to ensure Swansea claimed all three points against the Canaries while also keeping their 15th league clean sheet of the campaign.

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“I thought, tactically, we were brilliant in the first half in terms of where we thought we could show Norwich with the ball, where we could win it and where we could attack,” added the head coach.

“We did create some good chances and really looked a good threat.

“Obviously got the breakthrough with Andre. Started the second half brilliantly with a great goal from Conor. Wonderful composure initially from Jay Fulton initially on the turnover, which is what we asked at half-time, to manage the turnovers better.

“We gave up a lot of territory after the [second] goal, but that’s normal and natural.

“For all of Norwich’s possession and decent play, Freddie’s [Woodman] not really had a major save to make. Deserved win.”

Victory on Friday night lifted Swansea up to second place in the table while they are now just two points off table toppers Norwich while boasting a game in hand over Daniel Farke’s men.

They are also unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and have not lost in their last 11 outings at the Liberty Stadium.

And while the Jack Army have started to dream of promotion, Cooper admits he will stick to his mantra of taking things one game at a time.

“There was no expectations at the start of the season so I think it would be unfair to start doing it now with 19 games to go,” he added.

“We take it game by game. Sorry, I say it every week. I’ll be telling you again on Monday and before Sheffield Wednesday.

“That’s how we work. We have a ridiculous amount of games to play this month, and we can’t look too far ahead.”

Swansea return to action against Man City in the FA Cup on Wednesday evening.