Martinez expects open game as Latics look to put Bolton game behind them

After the disappointment and frustration of Saturday's defeat to Bolton Roberto Martinez says it's vital the team stay focused and concentrate on gathering momentum and consistency going into the final nine games of the season.

Latics take on Aston Villa at home tomorrow night and the gaffer believes that style and tactics aside the key to getting rewards is all in the approach and attitude of his team:

"There's frustration because the performance against Liverpool was a very good one that showed the concepts we're good at," said Martinez.

"But to concede such soft goals against Bolton was a big disappointment and really affected us at the time.

"The boys have had time to flush the Bolton game out of their system; it was a big blow that no-one expected to suffer. Now they're all in good spirits and ready for the game which is the important thing.

"The main focus in football is winning and being competitive, it's got nothing to do with the style of football you play. It all comes down to the decisions you make on the pitch and trying to make sure you remain solid.

"We've already shown glimpses of the potential we have and the quality there is in the team; attributes that will take us to the next level. We've lacked consistency and we need to find that by concentrating and having team-spirit on the pitch.

"Styles of football don't get you results; individual and team performances do and that's where our work is focused."

Tuesday night's game brings back happy memories of Latics' opening day win at Villa Park and Martinez is expecting another entertaining match-up this time round:

"It was a great performance at Villa Park on the opening day of the season, and we're disappointed not to have re-created that level of display throughout the campaign. On the day we controlled the game well, limited Villa to very little and created a lot going forward.

"It brings back great memories but we're at a different point now; Villa will come here ready to fight for three points and a place in the top-four, and of course we all know how important three points are for ourselves.

"It's clear that it will be an open game. The styles of the two teams will allow an exciting game of football.

"Villa have real quality in their side, especially in the wide areas and back that up with experience in many departments of the team.

"But we've shown great maturity at home, proved we are a solid side to play against and on the ball we can hurt many teams.

"It's all about re-creating that environment we had against Liverpool last week and making sure we react in the right manner as we always do at our football club when we get a disappointment. As long as we're all together as a club we'll get the rewards we deserve."