Monday 19 February 2018 23:10, UK
Matthew Upson and Eidur Gudjohnsen were in agreement on The Debate that Manchester City's shock FA Cup defeat to Wigan was "not a disaster" and they will come back stronger.
City saw their hopes of a quadruple ended on Monday as they were beaten 1-0 by the League One side.
Will Grigg scored the winner in the 79th minute after City had seen Fabian Delph sent off late in the first half.
Gudjohnsen, who played under City boss Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, said he expects the Premier League leaders to come back strongly as they now try to win the treble.
"It's a bit of a blow but it's not a disaster," he said. "You use the next game to bounce back and get back on track. I don't think this will have a big effect on the team. You want to be competing on all fronts but it's not a disaster.
"Guardiola will be bitterly disappointed. Maybe not with the way they played, I don't think it was a lack of desire and their attitude was quite good, but they just couldn't finish the chances.
"They do take chances and leave some spaces in behind and when you come against the willingness that Wigan showed tonight, they made it difficult for them. Wigan reminded me a little of Iceland tonight at the Euros."
City will now turn their attentions to the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, when they face Arsenal at Wembley, live on Sky Sports.
And former England defender Upson said they may even benefit from their FA Cup exit as they will have fewer fixtures to contend with this season.
"They haven't got a fixture pile-up. If it went to a replay they would have had to cram in another game, so from that point of view it allows them to focus on three competitions.
"It's a one-off FA Cup tie in difficult circumstances. I wouldn't read much too much into it.
"There's something about these cup games, people are just waiting for these moments to happen. I am sure he will take something from the experience and I think it will make them stronger."
Reflecting on the game, Upson added: "Wigan played with a real tempo. They pressed City, they harried them, the front players put [John] Stones and the other defenders under pressure and it was a mistake for the goal that cost them.
"I remember Burnley giving them a really good game, pressing them high up the pitch and nearly getting something. They play a more traditional English-style, quite direct and physical, and that is something City struggle to cope with at times. They have weaknesses in that area."
Gudjohnsen agreed with Upson, saying: "It was a bit too nice at times, their defenders have to realise what it's like to come up against hard-working British centre-forwards. Wigan were all about hard work. They ran their socks off, they were quite well organised and they deserved it."
