Coyle proud despite loss

Burnley boss hails players for brave effort

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 6th January 2008

coyle owen burnley manager

Coyle: Proud

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Burnley manager Owen Coyle was satisfied with the performance of his side in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

Eduardo da Silva put Arsenal ahead inside the opening ten minutes but Burnley fought hard to get back into the game.

They could not find an equaliser though, and after Kyle Laferty was sent off for a foul on Gilberto, Nicklas Bendtner's late goal secured Arsenal's progression to the next round.

"It was a brave effort. We had some good goalscoring opportunities," Coyle told Sky Sports News.

"I think we acquitted ourselves very well in the game and showed we are a good side."

No complaints

Alan Wiley's decision to red card Lafferty was not well received by the Burnley players or the crowd, as it appeared he had taken something of the ball before tripping Gilberto.

However, Coyle had no complaints with the dismissal and instead preferred to focus on the positive display of his side.

"Obviously the sending off has given us a mountain to climb," he said.

"Kyle miscontrolled the ball and was trying to recover it but the referee was in a good position to see it and he's deemed it a red card.

"But even then we showed the spirit we have and a sense of togetherness.

"Again it was a valiant effort but we were undone by a second goal."