Martinez – One game too far

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admitted that his side fought hard, but lacked the quality required after their 2-0 defeat in the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Arsenal.

The Latics were always up against it at Emirates Stadium as they struggled to create chances and cope with the Gunners’ passing rhythm at times during the match.

A further blow came with an injury in the first half to Victor Moses, who was stretchered off requiring oxygen after looking like his team’s most threatening outlet.

Striker Mauro Boselli also limped away from the action, but Martinez chose to reflect on the introduction of his younger players during the game and thinks that they will regroup.
Game too many

“It has been a great competition for us, but today was probably a game too many,” said Martinez.

“There were a couple of performances from players like James McArthur, Ben Watson and youngster Callum McManaman, which were positive, but it was a tough night.

“Sometimes you need to earn your own luck, and I don’t want us to be a team which feels sorry for ourselves.

“Now is one of the key moments, we need to regroup and act like men.

“We are short in numbers, but not in character.

“It would be very easy to feel sorry for ourselves, but if we carry on working with levels have been showing, luck can change very quickly.”