New Southampton manager Mark Hughes celebrated victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup in his first game in charge.
Good morning, #SaintsFC fans! 😇 pic.twitter.com/WQDe6dFmU7
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 19, 2018
Having been given the boot by Stoke City the other month, Hughes was appointed as Mauricio Pellegrino’s replacement last week and although his primary focus will be on ensuring Southampton move out of the relegation zone with form seeing only one win in the last 17 Premier League matches, he’ll certainly have taken the positives from his opening game in charge.
Vital Saints Latest Stats: Wigan Athletic v Southampton #SaintsFC #Southampton https://t.co/4d5rjhoo9C pic.twitter.com/cZXP8qBmEE
— Vital Southampton (@VitalSaints) March 18, 2018
Heading to the DW Stadium to take on a highly impressive Wigan Athletic given their exploits in the Cup this year, goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares put them through to the next stage of the competition following the sixth round tie.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Michael Oliver blew the final whistle, former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes explained.
‘It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have. They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players. We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start. We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment. We did not create enough in the first half, but we were resolute throughout and made the right decisions in the key moments.’
Ouch to a few of the reactions on twitter!
Was just thinking the same thing. Dire 🙄
— GazBod (@gazbod) March 18, 2018
Their run in is hard. Not sure imho that draws will suffice
— Uncle (@barberville) March 18, 2018
Wigan should be out of sight really uncle.
— Dwayne Dibbley (@rogersworld74) March 18, 2018
