Martinez delighted with reaction of team to record first point of the year

Roberto Martinez believes his side have the fight and desire to pull themselves out of the relegation zone over the next 14 games.



Speaking after Latics' 1-1 draw with Everton at the DW Stadium, Martinez was pleased with the performance shown by his players in difficult circumstances and stressed the importance of continuing down the right path from now until the end of the season:

"I told the players after the game that we need to keep doing the right things and we'll get the rewards," said the Gaffer.

"We all get anxious during games and in the build-up and there is plenty to be said from the outside about our position in the league.

"But we need to build that siege mentality at the club and not let anything affect our performance.

"The team looked as though they were back today, ready to fight and ready to compete which is very pleasing.

"It's a point that we've come away with that doesn't reflect the true dominance of the game we had, and now we need to get ready for Bolton next weekend."


JEAN THE ONE - Beausejour celebrates his role in Latics' opening goal

It was Martinez's 100^th league game in charge of Wigan Athletic, and speaking in detail he told of the key behind his side's controlling display:

"Today was a very important day for us; we had to perform well first and foremost, and I was very pleased with manner in which we approached the game.

"We controlled the game in the first-half but didn't quite get the run of the ball going forward.

"To keep on going and score the first goal was important and it was well deserved, we probably just showed a little fear of losing something so late in the game following the goal.

"We needed to get ourselves on the ball and try to continue dictating the game, but we panicked a little and gave the ball away a little too cheaply.

"It was disappointing to concede from the second phase of a set-play, but apart from that I think it's fair to say that we were better than them on the day and controlled things from start to finish.

"The conditions weren't great to play our style of football, but even so we kept the ball really well and saw very good displays from individuals.

"It was very impressive to see Jean Beausejour have that kind of debut at home, and as a group we saw plenty of desire which I enjoyed watching."