Swans boss Clement shocked by Newcastle loss

Cape Town - Swansea City manager Paul Clement says he was surprised by the poor showing by his side in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles scored the only goal after 76 minutes at Liberty Stadium, but Clement said their performance was far below what he was expecting.

"I am very disappointed with the way we played," Clement said. "And I am not quite sure why it turned out like that given the feeling we had going into the game.

"The way we prepared on the training field, in the gym and in the meeting room was good. The atmosphere around the group was very positive.

"But then there was the performance. I am finding it difficult to understand why I saw what I saw.

"Although the margin of defeat was very small and the goal came from a set-play, for me the difference between the two teams was greater than that.

"They played better than us. They were more combative in the duels, in first phase and second balls. For me they deserved the victory."