The Latics and Stoke drew 2-2 at the DW Stadium yesterday, a game that saw two penalties given, a cracking goal from open play scored by Franco Di Santo and a typical Stoke goal nodded home by Peter Crouch for the visitors
A game that the Latics probably should have won they almost lost but for a world class save right at the death from Ali Al Habsi, Charlie Adam’s free kick took a wicked deflection but Al Habsi somehow managed to change direction and claw the ball to safety.
Any way enough from me let’s take a look at what the managers had to say:
Latics boss Roberto Martinez – ‘They are a physical side. They make it very difficult.
‘It was unfortunate with the two goals that we conceded, but it was a tremendous performance from us.
‘You have to perform like that to get points off Stoke. Probably a draw is a fair reflection of what happened on the pitch.’
‘We started really brightly and got the goal we deserved, but then you are looking at the manner in which the game opened up and it could have gone either way’
‘Ali had to show a tremendous level and we had our chances – I take it as a point gained.
‘I think the best compliment you can say (regarding Al Habsi’s late save) is that we are not surprised any more.
‘Ali keeps producing this level. Since he arrived at the DW Stadium he has become a bit of a hero and that is why – because when you really need him, he is always there.’
Stoke boss Tony Pulis – ‘I thought it was a soft penalty – Martin (Atkinson) is saying that he (Huth) has stuck his hand out, but he’s actually tried to take his hand away from the ball as quick as he can’
‘It was so close – you would have to be superman to move it away from that close.
‘That was disappointing, but we bounced back, and then in the second half, the goal after a few minutes was a poor one to concede.
‘But our attitude and character was fabulous.
‘I thought we had the better clear-cut chances and the save from the goalkeeper was a fantastic save, unbelievable’
Latics and Proud
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