Martinez confident despite daunting run

A defiant Roberto Martinez has 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 Premier League 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 around the corner.

Manager Martinez said: “We haven’t been able to create any momentum and that’s probably why we’ve lost so many points. 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.’’

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.

Martinez said: “The players are down but I’m extremely proud of the performance.”

WIGAN: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa (Crusat 89), Boyce, McCarthy (McManaman 80), McArthur, Beausejour, Moses, Di Santo, Maloney (Diame 80).

WEST BROM: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Ridgewell, Shorey, Thomas (Dorrans 86), Morrison, Mulumbu (Andrews 80), Scharner, Brunt, Long.

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).