Bruce praises stable Latics
10 Mar 2008 - 08:58:49
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- Bruce praises stable Latics
Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce hailed the new-found defensive stability of his side after they held Arsenal to a goalless draw.
The Latics secured their second 0-0 stalemate in succession to move further away from the relegation zone and Bruce believes their recent resurgence is based to strong foundations.
The JJB Stadium club are now 13th in the table and three points clear of the relegation zone.
"The response by the players has been terrific," said Bruce.
"You can see that from the energy and the commitment and that is the reason why they have turned it round.
"We used to be leaking goals here a few months ago but now we've had four clean sheets out of the last five games which is far better and the players deserve a pat on the back."
Meanwhile, Bruce rejected claims that the poor state of the JJB Stadium pitch was playing into his side's hands.
"We all know that a bad pitch produces a leveller, but I have got some good players here who wants to run with the ball and it is impossible to play a first-time pass because the ball is jumping around," he continued.
"I've got a decent team and I think the pitch hinders us too.
"There is no real root growth so the top just comes off, so in June we will have to get a new pitch constructed."
Bruce though did admit that the point came at a cost with a fresh injury concern surrounding striker Emile Heskey.
"Heskey kicked the bottom of William Gallas' foot and he will go for an X-ray tomorrow," he revealed.
"It is the same foot he broke but we don't know the extent of the damage yet."