Hughes: Red card changed the game
Mark Hughes thought Zabaleta was unfortuanate to be shown a red card
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By Matt Halam. |  |
Sunday, 18, Oct 2009 07:30
By Matt Hallam.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes praised his side after they secured a draw at Wigan after going down to ten men.
Pablo Zabaleta was sent off in the second half after Martin Petrov had cancelled out Charles N'Zogbia's opener for Wigan.
Wigan pressed for the winner with Shay Given making a vital save from Hugo Rodallega near the end and Hughes believes the battling draw shows his side have improved their away form from last season.
"I think we showed great qualities, we stuck at it and got ourselves on level terms," he said.
"Obviously it was disappointing to concede just before half time because I thought we were comfortable in the first half.
"But we got back on level terms and from that point on it looked like we would go on and win the game but obviously the sending off changed our momentum.
"Going down to ten men made things more difficult. We showed quality in getting men behind the ball and making sure we got something out of the game."
Although Zabaleta's sending off appeared harsh, Hughes refused to criticise referee Alan Wiley and accepted the Argentinean defenders' choice to go to ground made it difficult for him.
"I think the first one [booking] was a little bit harsh and both guys just collided," said Hughes.
"The second one I don't think Pablo [Zabaleta] has actually touched the guy.
"Obviously if you're on a booking the likelihood is that you may get a second one if you go to ground so I can understand why he gave the red card."