Martinez impressed with team's attitude and performance

Roberto Martinez was delighted with the attitude shown by his players in their 3-0 win over Hartlepool in the Carling Cup.

A clean-sheet by debutant Ali Al Habsi in goal was accompanied by some creative and dangerous play up-front, with the gaffer pleased with the reaction of his team following their defeat last weekend;

"The concentration levels from the players was magnificent, especially from set-pieces," said Martinez.

"To control the game in both halves was another big positive and shows that slowly the team is gelling together.

"The early goal allowed us to settle and play in a different manner, enjoying plenty of possession and control the tempo.

"That Hartlepool had no efforts on goal in the second-half is credit to everyone on the pitch, not just the back-four.

"They were protected well by the midfield, looked alert and reacted to many situations very well.

"You can be put under a lot of pressure from set-pieces and so far Ali to keep a clean-sheet on his debut will boost his confidence and is one of many areas that are continuing to improve."

From back to front Latics oozed confidence, moving the ball around crisply and making clever runs in and around the Hartlepool defence, and the gaffer was impressed with his team's improvising on the pitch;

He said; "We knew how Hartlepool would approach the game and so it was important to accommodate the player to that style.

"We've got a team that are starting to think about things differently and who can adapt to a number of situations and that's another great plus to come from tonight's performance."