Tuesday 20 February 2018 16:18, UK
Paul Cook revelled in an "outstanding" night for Wigan as they stunned Manchester City to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Will Grigg scored the winner in the 79th minute at the DW Stadium after City had seen Fabian Delph sent off late in the first half.
League One Wigan had just 17 per cent possession and four shots compared to City's 29, and a hoarse-voiced Cook said of the final minutes: "You just shut your eyes and pray.
"We knew a lot of things had to go right on the night against such a quality team. We had to dig in, we really did, and the lads did that in abundance. As a team it's an outstanding night for us, it's one we should enjoy."
It is the third time in six seasons Wigan have reached the quarter-finals, and they must now attempt to balance the excitement of a home tie against Southampton next month with trying to get their League One promotion push back on track.
Cook said: "When the draw was made, no one texted each other, it was like we weren't in it. Now we play Southampton at home. I'm sure Southampton are as shocked as we are because they were probably thinking how disappointed they are going to the Etihad.
"It's a fantastic game for everyone. You're a game away from Wembley. What an occasion it will be. We have to concentrate on the league now, the FA Cup becomes a massive distraction, but we're in it."
The result, which was even more unexpected than Wigan's FA Cup final triumph over the same opponents five years ago, marked the end of City's bid for four trophies this season, and City boss Pep Guardiola played down the significance of the red card to Delph.
He said: "We played good in the second half even with 10 so the influence in terms of the way we played wasn't too much. Of course with 11 it's easier. We conceded one shot on target in 90 minutes and we lost. Football is like this.
"Of course we are sad and we want to go through because the FA Cup is a nice competition and you want to go to the quarter-finals, play at home against Southampton, but football counts what happens in 94 minutes.
"They score a goal, we were not able to, so that's why they deserve to go through. We congratulate Wigan for their victory."
