Source: PA
Mixed bag for Martinez
Roberto Martinez admitted he had mixed feelings after Wigan let their lead slip against Stoke but still moved up two places in the Barclays Premier League table.
The Latics had looked on course to secure a vital three points in their fight for survival in the top flight after Paul Scharner had nodded home Charles N'Zogbia's 14th-minute free-kick at the DW Stadium.
But Tuncay Sanli's header 16 minutes from time ensured the match finished all square, meaning Wigan have now won only once in 10 league fixtures. However, other results this evening meant the draw also took Martinez's side two places and one more point above the relegation zone to 14th, and the manager was happy overall to see the team keep their nerve after Stoke's equaliser.
"I am disappointed that we didn't get the second goal," Martinez said. "I think in the first half we controlled the game really well and were well worth the lead. But obviously in the second half, when you have got something to lose you are a little bit anxious and you could see the players getting a little bit anxious.
"We wanted to take this team out of the game by keeping the ball, but Stoke put on a lot of pressure. They put bodies forward, and to be honest the pitch didn't help us to get through that pressure.
"But in the end I am delighted with the reaction because once you get the disappointment of conceding the goal, probably a few weeks or a few months back we would have folded, and the toughest way to react is showing that character and knowing how."
