Martinez sees Caldwell red as turning-point in Chelsea match-up

After a difficult afternoon in the capital Roberto Martinez explained that with 10-men trying to overcome a rampant Chelsea side was always going to be an uphill struggle.

Latics adopted a new style of play for the final game of the season, a move the gaffer believes will be of massive benefit in the future;

"We have played in different ways during the season, and it was an ideal scenario to adopt given the injuries we had and the way Chelsea play," said Martinez.

"I felt we were enjoying ourselves in the first half but when you are reduced to 10 men and are chasing the game it makes all the preparation and all the plans pointless.

"It is a day to congratulate Chelsea and for ourselves to look back on a season of very many highs.

"I told the players before the game, we had won our league and achieved our aims - and that's what counts.

"We were determined not to come here and go through the motions, and it's clear we tried to do that and had a proper go.

"But when you go down to 10 men and you try to get back into it, you are going to leave yourselves exposed and you're playing into Chelsea's hands."

On the game itself whilst the gaffer identified Gary Caldwell's red-card as the major turning-point in an afternoon that will bring valuable experience to his young squad;

"It was a result that did not reflect what happened during the game.

"We all knew it was going to be a tough game, and unfortunately the first two big calls of the game went against us.

"They scored the first time they came anywhere near our goal, and it was clearly offside.

"Then we gave away a penalty, Gary Caldwell gets a red card, and it's very difficult after that.

"After that, it's a one-off game and it's extremely hard to adapt to the situation and get back into the game.

"You are always chasing it and, against a team that is fighting for the title, we were far too exposed at the back.

"We knew the game was not going to be about ourselves - we just wanted to make it as difficult as we could for Chelsea.

"But it was another good learning curve for the youngsters, and the season as a whole has been very successful.

"No-one wants to lose games in the manner we did, but when you face a team with the quality of Chelsea, unless you are perfect in your performance, you are going to find it difficult.

"They have done it to a few teams this season, and obviously when you are only playing with 10 men you are always up against it.

"Chelsea were focused on the game and they were ruthless, and we have to congratulate them for what they have achieved."