David Artell told the club’s official website that his Crewe Alexandra side did not deserve to win against Rochdale this afternoon.
The Alex boss was disappointed with his side’s overall performance against relegation threatened Rochdale, but it looked as though we were going to nick all three points when Charlie Kirk won and then converted a 90th minute penalty. That looked to be enough to win the game but Crewe were punished seven minutes later when Matty Done raced through to equalise.
Artell told the club’s official website: “We managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory but I didn’t think we deserve to win the game today. It was a low quality game and I don’t think Rochdale deserved to win the game either.
“It was a poor game in possession and we lacked quality with our passing and decision making. They had a couple of chances from set-pieces and Antony had a good shot saved in the second half. I don’t think either side deserved to win the game and it was a tough watch.
“We tried different things, we played three at the back for about the second time ever with little training. We went back to 4-3-3 but I didn’t think we played well until the last 20 minutes. I thought we were the better team but we have to play for more than 20 minutes.
“We weren’t very good and it was disappointing. It was a tough watch but we learnt a lot too about formations and roles. We asked them to do some things differently, so there were some circumstances too.
“Charlie needs to score more goals. He should have more for the ability he has and I must say I was surprised that he stepped up to take the penalty. Maybe it was Under-9 rules, maker-so-taker but the main thing is he stepped up and scored at the second attempt.
“He doesn’t usually put himself forward for penalties and I was surprised that he took it, especially with a striker (Mandron) on the pitch but it was good to see him step up.”