McPhillips excited for Arsenal rematch
Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2018 by PA
Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips is relishing the chance to lock horns with Unai Emery’s Arsenal once again after the Seasiders booked their place in round three with a 3-2 replay win over Solihull Moors.
Jay Spearing’s extra-time penalty sent Blackpool through after a spirited fightback from National League side Solihull had the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Blackpool pushed Arsenal all the way in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates when the pair met in the Carabao Cup back in October.
And McPhillips believes his League One side can approach another meeting with the Gunners full of confidence.
“It’s brilliant for our lads. They have gone to the Emirates and had a game and now they are going to be playing them again at Bloomfield Road,” McPhillips said.
“To play Arsenal twice in a season normally you have to be in the Premier League.
“The boys aren’t stupid, they know it’s Arsenal and it’s a massive carrot for them, they want to play Arsenal now on our pitch.
“We gave them a run for their money last time and when their lad got sent off we had a really good spell. It’s a hell of a game.
“Going through we will make some money and being on the telly again we will make some money and it’s like last time, it’s a free hit for us and we can approach it with no fear and enjoy the occasion.”
Armand Gnanduillet volleyed in Jordan Thompson’s corner after 10 minutes to put Blackpool ahead before Joe Dodoo doubled the lead nine minutes later.
Back came Solihull though, Adi Yussuf flicking a header in just after the half hour before equalising from the spot on 51 minutes after Spearing had upended Alex Gudger.
The National League side twice came close to a winner in normal time before Jamey Osborne caught Gnanduillet inside the area after 105 minutes and Spearing slotted Blackpool through from the spot.
“Solihull have given us two of the hardest games we have had all season no doubt. We were never comfortable, we went two up and they just kept asking questions,” McPhillips added.
“It was a hell of a game, hell of a cup-tie and great to nick it.”
Solihull manager Tim Flowers was left to rue the penalty decision which cost them.
“I asked the ref afterwards ‘are you 100 per cent sure it was a penalty’? He said ‘I am’ so I said ‘fine’,” Flowers said.
“I have seen it now and it’s not a penalty kick. It’s a colossal error because it’s cost us a fortune. Such is life.
“I thought we were sensational for the whole piece. It was an incredible turnaround. We looked like we were going to win.
“I just thought we were wonderful. I’m proud as punch of them. To lose with a penalty decision like that was hard to take. It is what it is.”
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