Swansea vs Liverpool match report: Andre Ayew at the double to punish Jurgen Klopp's 10-man Reds

Jurgen Klopp was in no mood to chastise his young players who suffered defeat at the hands of Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Two goals from Andre Ayew and one from Jack Cork did the trick for Francesco Guidolin's side who are now mathematically safe from the possibility of relegation.

Liverpool, who made eight changes from the side beaten 1-0 by Villareal in the first leg of the Europa League semi final on Thursday, gave themselves a chance when substitute Christian Benteke headed home Sheyji Ojo's second half corner.

However, Swansea were rarely troubled after that' leaving Liverpool to prepare for Thursday's second leg at Anfield, on the back of three games without a win.

“I tried to freshen up the side because we have had three games in a week," said Klopp. "But we didn't play that well today. It doesnt mean that I have changed my opinion on the young players who played against Bournemouth and here today. As I say, we just didn't play as well as we could.

"Had we have played close to our best today, it would have been a far closer game. But we didn't."

Swansea broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. A sweeping move led to a corner on the left and when Gylfi Sigurdsson whipped in a teasing cross, Ayew rose to head home from point blank range. It was the Ghanaian's first goal since January.

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It could have been two, five minutes later, had it not have been for Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward. Neil Taylor's precise cross was met by Cork, who saw his goalbound shot kicked away by the diving Ward.

There was nothing Ward or any one of the Liverpool defenders could do about Cork's 33rd minute strike from 25 yards. The former Southampton midfielder curled the ball beyond the visiting keeper after dispossessing Coutinho.

With a greater percentage of possession, after the break, the visitors looked increasingly dangerous. Lucas provided greater stability in the central area with Christian Benteke working well alongside Sturridge.

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Their desire and ambition almost brought its reward on the hour when Nathaniel Clyne found himself inside the penalty area with only Lukasz Fabianski to beat. However, the Polish keeper was equal to the threat and with the help of Neil Taylor deflected the ball for a corner.

From the ensuing corner, the visitors were level. Sheyi Ojo's corner picked out Benteke who headed past Fabianski from three yards.

Liverpool's joy turned to despair two minutes later. Jefferson Montero led the Liverpool back four a merry dance before finding Ayew in the box. Ayew held off all comers before finding the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Any hopes Liverpool might have had, disappeared 14 minutes from time when Brad Smith was sent off for a second yellow card.

Swansea might have added to their lot in the final 10 minutes, but Ayew and Cork were both denied by some desperate Liverpool defending. At the other end, there was little over which to enthuse as Liverpool faded away and turned their attention to all things European, on Thursday night.

Swansea manager Guidolin said; “I am happy for my players and I'm happy that we are now mathematically safe.

“I felt we were safe a few weeks ago, without being mathematically safe.

“I am also satisfied with the way we responded after the defeat in Leicester.

“I thought we were very good today and I'm happy that we have won.

“We have two games to go and I am proud of the job I have done since coming in. After all, it is my first time in the Premier League.”