Latics' number 24 talks us through Saturday's magnificent win
Saturday marked another milestone in the career of James McCarthy, handed his first Barclays Premier League start, producing a fine performance and capping it all off with his first league goal.
Speaking after the game McCarthy commented on the importance of the win and the strength of character shown by each and every player:
"They were three massive points for us coming at a place which is difficult to get any kind of result from," said McCarthy.
"But I thought we did really well, deserved the win and we're delighted to get all three points.
"At half-time the gaffer said he had been happy with us up to that point, playing good football and creating opportunities.
"From then on Charles (N'Zogbia) was the architect for us. He created the chance for my goal and I thought he was in excellent form, with his tricks, flicks and going by players; he's unstoppable at times.
"He backed his performance up with a great goal himself, and he'll be delighted with that, a goal which pretty much killed the game.
"As I said it's a great feeling to come here and get three points, things hadn't been going to well of late and although we were never worried about that it's important that we now start moving up the table on the back of this result.
"We had been in and around the 19-point mark for a while, but we've never got ourselves worried we've just kept plugging away, working hard and hopefully now we'll get the rewards.
McCarthy will be hoping he can now pin down a place in the first-team, but remaining modest he claims his performance is just another piece in the jigsaw in helping the team start moving up the table:
"On a personal level I'm made up, two goals in two starts isn't bad. But it's just about me, I thought it was a great team performance, everyone battled hard and knocked the ball round really well.
"The gaffer started me in a more wider role out on the left, and to be honest I'll take any position if it means me getting a start and featuring in the team.
"When Hendry (Thomas) went off he brought me into the centre and we just tried to shut things up a bit to secure the game.
"Overall I thought it was a great team performance, everyone worked hard for one another and we looked impressive with the ball to create a lot of chances.
"Just before half-time the ball come over the top, their man's got hold of me and brought me down. It was a definite penalty, maybe a bit harsh sending him off but these things happen in football.
"After that it was disappointing to go in at half-time at 0-0 with the chance we had to take the lead. But Hugo (Rodallega) is a great player, he worked so hard for us all game and I've no doubt he'll be back scoring soon.
"When my goal came there was an element of luck about it. Hugo's initial effort came back off the 'keeper and has left me with a bit of a tap-in, and I made sure I took advantage of it.
"I just need to keep working hard in training and hopefully keep earning a place in the team."
