• FA Cup

Rosler: I copied Roberto's tactics

Uwe Rosler says victory over Manchester City is the the greatest achievement of his managerial career © Getty Images

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Wigan manager Uwe Rosler has revealed he masterminded Manchester City's downfall in the FA Cup by copying Roberto Martinez's tactics from last year's final.

Rosler's Championship outfit eliminated Manchester City with a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. Jordi Gomez and James Perch got the goals for Wigan, who will now face Arsenal in April's semi-final clash at Wembley.

Martinez selected a 3-4-3 formation when Wigan beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final and Rosler, who normally picks a four-man defence, went to three at the back as he borrowed from the blueprint his predecessor used in both the Wembley showpiece and a 1-0 league defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Former City striker Rosler explained: "I studied Roberto's tactics from when he won the FA Cup. He put out a very good gameplan.

"I saw the league game here where Roberto's team played periods of the game to perfection. I tried to replicate it. I felt our only chance was keeping the ball in attacking areas. If we looked to defend we would have no chance."

Rosler also insisted the result was the greatest achievement of his managerial career.

"I have had some highs and lows but coming here against one of the best teams in the world we did not just park the bus and be lucky," he added. "It is my biggest achievement.

"Last season was an unbelievable achievement to win the FA Cup and put Wigan on the worldwide football map but to follow it up this season and get to the semi-final is equally big from my players. It is unbelievable to be back [at Wembley]. Nobody thought Wigan would be back. My players deserve all the credit."

Rosler singled out the efforts of captain Emmerson Boyce after he made a goal-saving block to deny City substitute Edin Dzeko an equaliser.

He added: "Unbelievable. I just saw the block. What you need in football, you need match-winners at both ends, not only in an attacking box, but in your own box and that was a match-winning decisive moment.

"I can only take my hat off to my players. Emmerson is a symbol of that, not only today but since I walked into the club."

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