Swansea City registered their first win of 2023 as they defeated Sunderland 3-1 at the Stadium of Light.Luke O'Nien was sent off early on in the north east of England, and Swansea's subsequent pressure told in the second-half as Joel Piroe tapped home his 10th goal of the campaign.But Sunderland responded and levelled through Dan Neil in the 65th minute, although Liam Cullen and Ollie Cooper both struck late on as Russell Martin's men returned to south Wales with all three points.READ MORE: Jamie Paterson's Swansea City situation explained amid Coventry City transfer interestThe Swansea boss made just one change to the side that started the 1-1 draw with Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday as Harry Darling replaced Nathan Wood who dropped to the bench.
Tony Mowbray's side looked to start on the front foot and wasted no time in showing how they could cause Swansea problems with their direct running.Patrick Roberts rippled the roof of Steven Benda's net from a free-kick as the Swans looked to weather something of an early storm in blustering conditions - with Neil drilling at the German goalkeeper from distance moments later.Swansea soon settled though, and following an interception from Joe Allen, they had their first chance to score.
The Welshman teed up Matt Grimes after playing a one-two with Cooper, although the captain's curling effort stroked the side netting.But the game's major turning point came in the 18th minute as, moments after the home fans were calling for a penalty after Amad went down following a challenge from Cullen, the hosts were reduced to 10 men.Cooper's touch took the ball beyond O'Nien who recklessly wiped out the Swansea academy product, with referee Keith Stroud giving the midfielder his