Bruce rues Arsenal defeat

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is rueing the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates in the Carling Cup last night, and admitted his side were well beaten as Jay Simpson grabbed to goals and Carlos Vela another late goal.

"I am not going to make excuses, even though three or four of our players are under the weather," said Bruce.

"We simply didn't make it a cup-tie. We gave them time and space and freedom to enjoy themselves.

"I thought we should have had a penalty for handball and if we had made it 1-1, it might have been different but I am not going to make excuses.

"They were frightening on the night. Arsene says it is the best crop of youngsters he's had and when you think of the young players they have had in the past, that is some compliment.

"They gave us a torrid evening. We've gone out of the cup with a whimper really. They created more chances against us than any other team this season.

"We've had our backsides kicked by a very good young Arsenal team."