Gaffer delighted with performance that will provide perfect platform for future
After a well fought draw at the Stadium of Light Roberto Martinez expressed his delight with the manner of Latics' performance, describing it as the perfect platform for the rest of the season.
"It was a tough encounter, we all knew Sunderland were going to be physical and put plenty of pressure on us in the final third, but we coped with that very well," said Martinez.
"But coming away from home it's always difficult to score the first-goal and we did well to get in front. From there we created good chances to kill the game and claim three points, which would have been deserved.
"But watching the way we soaked up the Sunderland pressure and coped with what they threw at us will give us a good platform for the next 15 games.
"Also when you look at the two new players who came in they did a good job and I was delighted with that aspect, we look very strong right now.
"On the other hand we could probably do a little more on the ball. At times I think we were a little tense, but to come here and hold onto the lead for so long was very pleasing and says a lot about the characters and talent we have in the dressing room.
"I was pleased with many aspects of our game today which will allow us to carry on improving the standards we have and get the results our performances deserve.
"Our starting positions, responsibility and intensities were fantastic throughout the game, and we were always a threat. Overall I think we did enough to come away with a win, let alone a draw.
"One major positive is that when you look at the bench now it's not just the quality we have there it's also having a different dimension available if we need it.
"All the ingredients you need to work as a team were there, it's an excellent platform for the rest of the season. We were heavily tested and responded very well which all serves well for the future."
Momo Diame's superb opener will be watched over and over again this season, not just tonight, and the gaffer explained how hard the midfielder has worked to hit such a high:
"Momo's goal was as good as you'll see in the Premier League today, and then to create quality chances for Charles and James was a great sign.
"Momo deserved that. He works extremely hard for the team doing the work that isn't always easy on the eye, but that needs to be done. Once he showed that power and desire in the final third he finished it in the perfect way."
Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno were both given their Latics debuts, and although they found it tough to make a big impression on the game, the gaffer was very pleased with how they are developing:
"I was very pleased with the roles Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno undertook straight away. They are two players who are going to push very hard to improve themselves and earn a place in the starting line-up and that's very pleasing."
One baffling moment, though there were quite a few, during the game came when the Fourth Official indicated seven, yes seven minutes of added time. But rather than see it as a home advantage, Martinez obviously had other thoughts:
"In a way when I saw the seven-minutes go up I saw it as a chance to go on and win the game still. That's how confident we were, dealing with their pressure well and looking good on the ball."
