Jones takes positives from Wigan display in Arsenal defeat

Dec 24, 2012 12:55:00 AM

The midfielder believes that the Latics performed admirably and deserved at least a draw from their clash against the Gunners, which was settled by Mikel Arteta's penalty

David Jones believes his Wigan Athletic side were unlucky not to take anything from their home clash with Arsenal, who took home the three points courtesy of a contested second-half penalty scored by Mikel Arteta.

The home side have struggled for form of late and the defeat leaves them in the relegation zone on goal difference. But Jones believes that if his side can replicate the form they showed against the Gunners, particularly in their control of midfield, then they will soon pick up the points they need.

"It's tough to come away from the game with a defeat when you consider the way we played," Jones told the official club website.

"We can take great heart from the performance because you expect Arsenal to have a lot more possession when you play them but, I think we controlled the game ourselves for long periods.

"We didn't try to force things from early on and we just kept the ball and drew Arsenal out until we could see the chance to go forward.

"The result obviously wasn't there but, if we can keep improving and get a good rhythm going then I'm sure the points will mount up."

Jones personally had an impressive display in an adapted three-man Wigan midfield, countering the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Arteta, and the Welshman admitted he felt far more comfortable in the position than the defensive role he has occupoed in recent weeks due to the Latics' injury problems in the area.

"It was a slightly different formation due to the injuries in defence and it was nice to be playing in a three man midfield in the centre," he added.

"It helped us in having as much of the ball as we did and we maintained a lot of pressure which enabled us to get the ball forward and out to the wings with almost every move.

"I feel most comfortable in the middle. I think it brings out my natural instincts on the pitch and it allows for a bit of flair and creativity, as well as making sure we retain possession of the ball.

"It's good that we are getting a few players back from injury because we have had players out of position in a few games which is always a challenge.

"That has simply been down to the misfortune of the injury situation and you could see today how much more comfortable players were in their more natural positions."

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