Hughes wants positive play
28 Feb 2007 - 11:49:04
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes is hoping his side can continue the excellent form they showed in the Premiership win against Portsmouth when they entertain Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round replay at Ewood Park.
Rovers ground out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium to force the replay but revealed more of their attacking flair in the 3-0 win against Pompey at the weekend.
"I thought we were really positive and some of our attacking play was excellent on Saturday," Hughes told Rovers' official website.
"All in all it was the perfect pick-me-up after the disappointment against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Cup.
"From a professional point of view I thought that draw at Arsenal was a job well done and I think it was certainly appreciated in most areas the fact that we were able to be as organised and as rock-solid as we were.
"We restricted a very good Arsenal side to very few chances at the Emirates, which very few clubs have been able to do this season.
"We were excellent on the day and mentally strong, so we need more of that on Wednesday.
"But now we're at home and the onus is on us. Obviously we'll have more opportunities to attack, but you're always mindful of the quality that Arsenal have on the counter.
"In fact, sometimes they are more dangerous away from home than actually at the Emirates where they dominate possession.
"Sometimes they are more clinical when they soak up pressure then hit you very quickly on the break, so we're fully aware of that."