A really entertaining game down at the DW Stadium saw Latics and MK Dons share a six goal thriller in the 3rd round of the FA cup
Cracking goals and a penalty save kept the spectators on the edge of their seats as a 3-3 draw was played out
After the game both bosses spoke to the media about it all, let’s take a look at what they had to say:
Latics boss Uwe Rosler – ‘I was disappointed with the performance today as cup holders.
‘At 2-0 up I told my players to make sure they got to half time with a clean sheet still intact, and had we done that I think the game would have been over.
‘Even after they got themselves level we were able to take the lead once again, but with five minutes remaining we did the same again and allowed them another equaliser.
‘Overall, I don’t think we did enough to win the game against an MK Dons side who, in periods, were perhaps the better team. We had opportunities to kill the game off; Marc-Antoine Fortune had a chance late on for example, but in those defining moments we just were not good enough.’
‘I would like to mention Roger’s (Espinonza) performance today in particular. There were a number of players who came into the team having not played too much football recently, but his display was fantastic with the energy, willingness and hunger he showed throughout the game. He was a top performer and I am very happy to have him in my squad.
‘His goal was fantastic, and we scored some good goals in the game, but at the other end of the pitch, for a team as experienced as we are, I thought the manner in which we conceded was nowhere near the demands we have of ourselves.’
‘We have a replay now at their home and what we have to do as a team is show our desire to defend our title as FA Cup holders, because we haven’t shown it enough over the 90 minutes today.
‘I warned my players of the threats MK Dons have, because I know how good they can be. Perhaps one or two players were not listening enough, because impressively they showed how they can hurt opposition teams.’
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson – ‘We looked like we couldn’t get to grips with the way they pressed us and I tried to change that.
‘At half time, we took it to another level. The substitutes got us back in the game and allowed us to nick a goal late on.
‘To get clapped off by the home fans shows how well we play.
‘They showed everyone how much quality we possess.’
I thought Antony Kay did really well to come back in against that calibre of strikers and still be running up to get in the box. He’s getting back to fitness.
‘I thought Dele Alli was sensational at times, and Brendan Galloway at 17 getting on the pitch.
‘And Patrick (Bamford) getting his customary goal. He always wants the plaudits! He deserves that send off. After the whistle, I gave him a hug and said to him ‘thank you.’ Our paths will cross again.’
‘I remember Sam Allardyce telling me Ali Al Habsi was one of the best keepers he’s seen at saving penalties. He reacts really well, and is known for it.
‘But Shaun (Williams) hit it well, and not many keepers would have got to that.’
Ali just the best at penalty saves
By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic
