AIDEN MCGEADY WAS keen to take the positives from Preston North End’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal after the Lilywhites were beaten by a late Olivier Giroud goal.
Preston took an early lead in the third-round encounter at Deepdale and McGeady played a key role, effortlessly dribbling past two Arsenal players before threading a dangerous through-ball to Jordan Hugill, who teed up Callum Robsinon.
Arsene Wenger’s side responded in the second half, with Aaron Ramsey hauling the Gunners level immediately after the re-start, while Giroud pounced with just a minute remaining to secure victory for the Premier League team.
“We were the better side first-half and if we’d have taken our chances we could have been dead and buried by half-time,” McGeady told the club’s official website.
Maybe we invited the pressure which they put us under in the second-half and we didn’t attack in the way in which we did in the first-half, but Arsenal are a quality side and we can’t have any complaints.
“We were unlucky at the end with the goal but it was a pretty even game.
You knew there was going to be a reaction after half-time and we had to be focused for the full game against these teams and one small mistake, they can punish you.”
The Republic of Ireland international was also impressed by the atmosphere at Deepdale, believing it to be the best he has ever experienced since arriving at the club from Everton.
“It was pretty much a full house and our fans were very vocal right from the kick-off. The fans will go home fairly pleased from what they’ve seen,” said the 30-year-old.
Games like that don’t come around very often against a very good Arsenal team. Live on TV, full house so it will stand some of the young lads in good stead.”
Preston return to action on 14 January as they welcome Chris Hughton’s high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion to Lancashire.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
