Sam Tickle enhanced his reputation during Latics' FA Cup defeat at Arsenalplaceholder image
Sam Tickle enhanced his reputation during Latics' FA Cup defeat at Arsenal
Sam Tickle believes Wigan Athletic 'can be really proud of our efforts in the second half' to keep Premier League leaders Arsenal scoreless.
The Gunners took control of Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Emirates Stadium in the first half hour, showing clinical finishing to open up a 4-0 advantage.
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Latics sent on ex-Arsenal junior Matt Smith just after the fourth goal went in, and for the last hour they played some decent stuff as they kept Arsenal from registering further goals.
"It was tough out there...in the first half, they were just so clinical," acknowledged Tickle.
"They are so sharp and so quick...maybe our line was too high in the first half an hour.
"We got done over the top a few times, but how do you set up against a side like that with players of that ability?
"We wanted to try to win the game, and that's how we set up.
"I thought we were actually very good for the first 10 minutes, but then they got control of the game.
"We has to regroup in the second half, and I thought we did that really well.
"I think we can be really proud of our efforts in the second half."
Tickle enhanced his reputation by making a couple of great saves in the second period to ensure the scoreline stayed respectable.
"That's my job, to make saves, and I love doing that," added the Academy product, who has courted interest from Arsenal already during his short career. "That's why I do what I do."
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