Swansea produced a stylish display to beat 10-man Newcastle and inflict a first defeat on new Magpies head coach Steve McClaren.
Jonjo Shelvey set up Bafetimbi Gomis to round Tim Krul and slot into an empty net to give Swansea an early lead.
Swansea dominated Newcastle – Garry Monk
Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat was sent off shortly before half-time for persistently fouling Jefferson Montero.
The Ecuadorian’s next involvement was to cross for Andre Ayew to head in his second Swansea goal in as many games.
Garry Monk’s side could have won by a bigger margin, but Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s long-range shots hit the woodwork.
Newcastle failed to trouble the hosts, who monopolised possession and consigned their opponents to a seventh successive Premier League away defeat.
Shelvey’s renaissance
Green = successful passes; red = unsuccessful passes
Swansea midfielder Shelvey’s inconsistency was a source of frustration for Swans manager Monk last season.
But judging by his form early in this campaign, the 23-year-old seems to be finally making the most of the ability which brought him his only England cap to date in 2012.
Shelvey impressed in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea and dominated against Newcastle, orchestrating Swansea’s midfield and providing a brilliant assist for Gomis’s goal.
“We are working to improve his performances,” said Monk. “He is listening hard. It is about him working hard and us working hard with him to improve his play in all areas.”
The graphic shows Shelvey’s influence in midfield after the break which helped Swansea control the game. He completed 88% of his 83 passes and ran 10.92km during the game – only fellow midfielder Jack Cork covered greater distance for the home side.
McClaren’s misery
Newcastle showed signs of promise in their opening draw against Southampton, with Georginio Wijnaldum the brightest of the new signings on display.
But the visitors were toothless for large parts at Liberty Stadium, the likes of striker Papiss Cisse almost anonymous as McClaren’s side were starved of possession.
Janmaat’s red card will have irked the former England boss, as the Dutchman was guilty of an unnecessary and impulsive tug of Montero’s shirt to leave Newcastle down to 10 men and facing a daunting task which they never looked like completing.
Man of the match
Swansea manager Garry Monk: “We dominated the whole game from start to finish. When the red card does come it impacts on the dynamic of the other team more and they sat back after that.
“We were very professional in the second half and made sure we won the game with a clean sheet.”
Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren:“We didn’t learn a lot apart from it is difficult to win with 10 men.
“A little bit of naivety has cost us, 10 men and your backs are against the wall. We have to dust ourselves down and concentrate on the Manchester United game next week.”
