Manager Reaction @ Wigan

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was happy with the battling qualities of his side after watching his side hold a potent Wigan to a one all draw.

Sunderland led the game for most the match thanks to a Bramble own goal with Zaki scoring the Latics equaliser.

Keane told safc.com “We were put under pressure but, away from home, teams are going to have a go at you. Wigan put plenty of balls into the box, they are a strong team and we expected it.”

“A draw away from home in the Premier League is not the end of the world.”

“I was disappointed with our use of the ball in the second half but that will come over the next few weeks.”

“If Djibril takes his chance in the second half, the game is over. But if you don’t take the chances, it can come back to haunt you.”

“Generally, we dealt with the crosses today but it was one too many and the striker for them, who is sharp, took his chance well.”

“I thought the two lads making their debuts did well. George had had two tough games for Northern Ireland last week.”

“We defended OK because Wigan put balls into the box and I don’t remember Craig making too many saves.”

“We stood up to the battle and we know we can do a lot better with the ball. We got bullied here last year, we didn’t today and we had the best chances.”

“We were happy with the point – maybe a draw was a fair result. There were good signs today and we move on to a big game next weekend.”

“Wigan had a man sent off near the end but I think by then both teams were looking for a draw.”

“We’re trying to change the mentality of the players because our away form last season was so poor. We’ve got to try to make sure we get something out of the games away from home, and we did it today.”

Vital Sunderland Says

If someone had offered me a draw before the game started I would have took it so I`m quite pleased with the result. It`s just a shame we gave another sloppy goal for their equaliser.