London, Aug 9 (IANS): Coach Garry Monk backed his Swansea City side to improve further after holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the 2015-16 English Premier League.

Swansea came from behind twice to secure a point against the champions at Stamford Bridge ground on Saturday courtesy of an Andre Ayew strike on his debut and a Bafetimbi Gomis penalty, after Oscar's free-kick and a Federico Fernandez own goal had twice put Chelsea in front.

The visitors had chances to secure a first top-flight win over Chelsea after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois's red card for fouling Gomis, who tucked away the resulting spot-kick 10 minutes after the break.

Monk felt his side could have secured a famous opening-day victory, but was content with the manner in which his players took the game to the champions.

Asked if he was disappointed not to claim all three points, he told Sky Sports on Saturday: "If I'm going to be picky, then of course. Last year we were good against Chelsea for 45 minutes, but today it was for 90 minutes."

"The message to the players in pre-season, of course we also worked on defensive tactics, was that we want attacking players to express themselves. That's what we've telling them in pre-season - to play the way we have.

We'll go from strength to strength. It's one point. If we don't follow this up next week, we won't be doing ourselves justice," he added.