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Manager Wants To Build On The Good Start

Posted on: Wed 08 Sep 2010

Owen Coyle reckons that along with the encouraging start to this season, Wanderers' two performances against Arsenal in January can give his team plenty of heart when they head to the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The clash against Arsene Wenger's side kick-starts a demanding month which also includes a further two away games at Aston Villa and Burnley before Manchester United are the next visitors to the Reebok Stadium at the end of the September.

And the Manager has called for his troops to pick up where they left off before the international break, showing the same spirit and belief that was on display against Birmingham ten days ago.

Coyle explained: "We all recognise that the September international break is a fixture in the calendar and we knew that it was coming about.

"The boys have been working ever so hard and that was evident in the performance against Birmingham when we came from two goals behind with ten men.

"We had a lot of possession and twice as many shots at goal as Birmingham - it was a terrific display from a group of lads doing everything to win points.

"It was unfortunate with Jussi, but he has been an outstanding servant for this football club, saving us umpteen times over the years. The previous week at West Ham, he put in one of the best performances from a goalkeeper that I have seen.

"But our strength is always as a group and as disappointing as it was for Jussi, Robbie Blake stepped up to the mark for us. Every week it might be someone else that pops up because as talented as individuals we have then it will always be what we do as a team.

"Now we all recognise how tough of a game it is to go to the Emirates. Arsenal have started well - they had a very good result and performance at Blackburn, so we know it will be difficult.

"My first two games after taking over here were back-to-back against Arsenal and we performed ever so well and were unfortunate not to get anything from both those games, particularly when we went 2-0 ahead at the Emirates.

"So we know that we can perform at that level and what we have to do is make sure that everyone is tuned in and mentally focused and ready to give their best."

Adam Bogdan is in line for his first start in the Barclays Premier League against the Gunners as Jussi Jaaskelainen is suspended for the next three fixtures.

With Ali Al Habsi on loan at Wigan Athletic, Coyle believes that Bogdan is ready to seize his opportunity, given his impressive performances in pre-season and in the previous two matches against Southampton and Birmingham.

Coyle continued: "Ali had to go and get Premier League games because he had been number two to Jussi for so long.

"We always had the belief in Adam to come in and push Jussi, and that has what's happened. He played at Southampton and was terrific in the game.

"He made a big save from Cameron Jerome late on against Birmingham and that reinforced the belief we have in him.

"He has the potential to be a very good goalkeeper and we have no fears about him playing at the Emirates."