By Paul Jones
Swansea City captain Matt Grimes and manager Luke Williams praised their team’s resilience in overcoming difficult conditions to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Luton Town.
Grimes played a pivotal role, not only securing the Swans a crucial point with his second-half goal, but also earning admiration from his manager for his all-around contribution.
The draw means the Swans are unbeaten in three matches and leaves them 13th in the Championship table, seven points adrift of the play-offs.
Elijah Adebayo had given Luton the lead in the 17th minute, capitalising on a misplaced pass to finish from a tight angle.
However, Swansea responded with determination, and it was Grimes who found the equaliser in the 64th minute.
Will stand by the fact that Matt Grimes is one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
Impresses me every single time I’ve ever watched him and would love Coventry to have someone like that. #Swans⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Qozx5FTub5
— Callum Moseley (@CallumTDUK) December 7, 2024
Unmarked on the edge of the box, the captain smashed home from a corner.
“We work so hard on set-pieces with Alan Sheehan in training, and today we executed that well and got a goal,” Grimes said.
“The lads were so brave, played exactly how we want to play, and we’ll take a point.”
Despite the dreadful weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh, Grimes backed his teammates for their grit and Swansea’s traveling fans for their dedication.
“They were probably the worst conditions I’ve ever played in – the pitch was very wet and it was windy,” he said.
“The fans were unbelievable. We wouldn’t blame anyone for staying in because the conditions were horrific, but fair play to them. They surprise me every week. They’re outstanding.”
“The fans were unbelievable. We were saying before the game, we wouldn’t blame anyone for staying in because the conditions are horrific, but fair play to them they surprise me every week. They’re outstanding.”
Skipper
https://t.co/XWVp80MXbB pic.twitter.com/c5v8zNfdA6
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) December 8, 2024
Swansea had opportunities to take the lead through Florian Bianchini and Jisung Eom, but a standout performance from Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski kept the visitors at bay.
Grimes highlighted the team’s recent performances as a positive sign.
“I think we’ve put in good performances in the last six or seven games,” he noted. “With the quick turnaround, we’ll go again, build on the positives, and get a result.”
Williams was full of admiration for Grimes and has stressed the captain’s vital role on and off the pitch.
“He’s an amazing player and an amazing captain; he adds incredible quality,” Williams said.
“The important thing is to never take him for granted, which is easy to do when he is ever-present.”
Williams singled out Grimes’ equaliser as an example of the 29-year-old’s skill and leadership.
“The finish [for his goal] is something right out of the very top drawer. He slams that ball on the move on a very tough pitch,” Williams explained.
“As good as the goal was, he covered a counter-attack against an incredibly athletic substitute in the 95th minute. He’s in a class of his own for me.”
The draw means Swansea have taken five points from their last three matches as they prepare for a trip to Plymouth on Tuesday night.