Speed: Swansea Are Best Footballing Side

Former Welsh international Gary Speed says Swansea City are the best footballing team in the Championship.

Speed, still a player at Sheffield United, watched as the Blades kept up their hopes up of automatic promotion while ending Swansea's play-off chances as Cotterill's penalty was enough to give them all 3 points.

Speed said they didn't get frustrated by Swansea's dominating possession as they expected that before the game.

"Ask anyone in the league and Swansea are the best footballing team,"

"We drew 1-1 down there earlier in the season but we were battered. We were played off the park.

"Teams will adapt to Swansea because of the way they play but Roberto will have time to work on things in the summer and get them even better.

"People talk about the way they play but they certainly don`t lack for power, pace and strength.

"They`ve got all that as well as their ability on the ball.

"I think when Roberto got the job a few eyebrows were raised because he hadn`t managed anywhere.

"It was seen as more of a continental thing, but to get them up last season and then do so well this time...he`s done a fantastic job."

Speed was also pleased with United's performance:

"I thought we were really good. This time of the season, and with so much on the game, the last team you want to play is Swansea.

"They pass it and keep the ball really well, so it was important for us not to get anxious when we didn`t have the ball.

"We couldn`t get frustrated if Swansea had the ball for while and what we worked on in training this week certainly worked.

"When they did have possession in their own half they didn`t really hurt us, and when we won the ball back we looked very dangerous.

"So I think it was a good performance by the boys and the most pleasing thing was the way they handled the occasion and the pressure.

"It was a must-win game and when you go into that situation it`s difficult."

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