Source: Team_Talk
Wigan v Norwich reaction
Roberto Martinez will continue in his efforts to strengthen his Wigan squad after seeing Latics held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted Norwich.[LNB] So far this summer, the Spaniard has snapped up goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi - following his loan from Bolton last season - on a permanent deal, along with free transfers David Jones and Nouha Dicko.[LNB]On Friday West Brom confirmed they had rejected a bid for striker Peter Odemwingie from Wigan, who since the end of the 2010/11 campaign have been shorn of the services of departed duo Tom Cleverley and Charles N'Zogbia.[LNB]Both midfielders played important roles for the Latics last term and Martinez is determined to make another couple of signings before the transfer window closes.[LNB]"We are still looking for two players," Martinez said. "We lost two influential players last campaign.[LNB]"I want to fulfil those roles with players who are already here, but it is only fair to the squad that we have enough numbers to face the demands of the Premier League, and we will do that."[LNB]Asked whether Odemwingie had been regarded as a potential replacement for Hugo Rodallega, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Martinez said: "No, it would be an addition.[LNB]"I don't know what players we are going to bring in, that is the reality, although I know exactly what we need from a character point of view.[LNB]"But having lost Cleverley and N'Zogbia, we are two bodies light.[LNB]"We need to bring two players in and that is where as a football club we are working extremely hard."[LNB]Having suffered a 4-0 home defeat to Premier League newboys Blackpool on the first day of last season, Wigan made a better fist of things against Norwich, who were back playing top-flight football again after a six-year absence.[LNB]The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute through Ben Watson's spot-kick after Franco Di Santo went down in the box under the attentions of Ritchie De Laet, who was chasing the Argentinian back having given away possession.[LNB]The Canaries equalised just before half-time when Al Habsi could not hold on to Steve Morison's delivery and Wes Hoolahan slotted the ball into the net.[LNB]Watson almost won it late on with a shot which struck the woodwork and Victor Moses and Rodallega also went close in the dying moments, but both were denied by blocks from De Laet.[LNB]"I don't think we played as well as we can, that is quite clear," Martinez said.[LNB]"But it was a tricky fixture and you have to give great credit to Norwich - I don't think they changed one single bit from what they were doing last season in the Championship.[LNB]"They play with bravery and they took their chance really well.[LNB]"Probably 12 months ago we would have lost that game, but we had a real fighting spirit and it is fair to say that we were the team who finished the stronger.[LNB]"Without playing well, we got a result, and I don't think I've ever been able to say that at Wigan, so it is a real positive for me. But there are many areas we need to improve."[LNB]Norwich boss Paul Lambert was delighted with his team's performance.[LNB]"I think we've got to be happy with that," Lambert said.[LNB]"This is not an easy place to come and I think we gave as good as we got."[LNB]On the penalty incident, Lambert said: "I couldn't see at the time and I'd have to look at it again.[LNB]"He (De Laet) has made a mistake, but he also redeemed himself towards the end with the two blocks, and he is only a young player.[LNB]"Hopefully he will learn from that, but I have to give him enormous credit for the blocks - it was brilliant defending."[LNB]Norwich today announced they were poised to sign Spanish defender Daniel Ayala from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee, subject to the relevant paperwork being finalised.[LNB]The 20-year-old will become Lambert's eighth summer signing and the manager said: "He is a young player who we saw play against us for Hull and Derby (on loan from Liverpool last season).[LNB]"He is a tall lad who will go and defend."
