A defiant Roberto Martinez insisted Wigan's daunting fixture list is an opportunity rather than another nail in their coffin.
The Latics gained another point in their battle against relegation from the Barclays Premier League in a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Saturday but it was a game they dominated. And a glance at their next five matches made it look even more of a missed opportunity, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all waiting round the corner.
Draws have been Wigan's main problem, particularly at the DW Stadium, where they have won only one match but picked up a point on seven occasions. Martinez said: "We haven't been able to create any momentum and that's probably why we've lost so many points."
He added: "In the last five games we dropped eight points, and eight points would have put us in a comfortable position.
"I do believe we've got a chance against anyone. Yes, we need to get points because we're catching up but in many ways this is the best we've played in the past three seasons.
"I feel the result is around the corner and once we get over that hurdle then the issues of confidence and having a bit of luck (become less), and probably the best way to do that is to have a top result against one of the top sides. That's how we have to break that barrier."
Saturday's performance in many ways encapsulated Wigan's season, with chances going begging before and after James McArthur prodded in the opener, while Paul Scharner equalised from West Brom's only real opportunity.
The Latics have scored only 25 goals in 29 games, with no player netting more than four times, while their goal difference of -29 could also come back to haunt them.
Martinez said: "We have players who are really good finishers but at the moment it's not going in our favour and we have to change it. We need to be even better than we were (yesterday). You have to keep a clean sheet when you are in these situations.
"We've been hurt like this many times this season, and that's why we've got seven draws that I feel should have been seven wins. The players are down but I'm extremely proud of the performance."
Source: PA
