Bruce: We were mugged
05 Oct 2008 - 10:05:01
Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce claimed his side were 'mugged' after losing 1-0 to a late Middlesbrough winner.
The Latics lost their six-game unbeaten run after conceding a 89th minute winner to Jeremie Aliadiere at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.
Wigan carved out more chances than the visitors but found Boro keeper Ross Turnbull in top form.
"It is disappointing, we needed a goal, didn't get it and we have been mugged really," claimed Bruce.
"It's not quite right but often in football you don't get what you deserve. I don't think our keeper has touched the ball, let alone made a save, but there you go.
"There was 0-0 written all over it once we failed to score in the first half-hour.
"We needed to score and unfortunately we didn't manage to do that and we've been caught with a horrible sucker punch at the end.
"The way Boro defended in the first half-hour was a credit to them, especially the two centre-backs, who I thought had outstanding games.
"It's a disappointing result, but sometimes these things happen."