PAUL Cook expects Oxford United to come back stronger after his Wigan Athletic side dished out a 7-0 hammering at the Kassam Stadium.

While it was United heaviest league defeat at home, it was also a record win for the Latics.

Cook's men stayed four points clear in Sky Bet League One as a result, but was quick to offer his sympathies.

He said: "It was a great day for us and we looked really strong, but everything has gone our way.

"Oxford kept us dead honest in the game, kept working away.

"As managers and players we’ve all been on the opposite end of that.

"So I think we’ve got to be quite respectful to Oxford.

"It was a good day for us, but I’m sure Oxford will bounce back stronger for it."

While most teams in League One have adapted their style in a bid to frustrate the leaders, United looked to go toe-to-toe with them.

Cook said: “Oxford set up in a way that we enjoy.

“Football is all about formations and systems, and when you get a certain style against you, that can happen.

“We get frustrated at times with the opposite side of the game, and I think our fans sometimes have to realise that.

“There’s two teams on the pitch at all times, and if one team is intent in not playing - and that wasn’t Oxford today - it can be a lot harder.

“Fortunately it’s gone our way today, and you will get days like that.

“To play football the way Oxford did takes a bit of bravery, and it didn’t work for them on the day.”