Latics’ steely edge delights Martinez

Reading 0 Wigan Athletic 3

The Latics have established a reputation under Martinez for a fluid passing game, however, the Spaniard believes the lack of a harder edge has proved costly this season.

Wigan have kept just four league clean sheets this term — remarkably all away from home — with the latest a 3-0 win at Reading on Saturday that pulled them out of the bottom three.

“I’d say defensively it was as good as it gets,” he said after an Arouna Kone’s double added to a rare Maynor Figueroa secured a vital three points.

“Defensively you know you are going to play against a Reading side that are strong, especially in the dead-ball situations.

“We have to keep improving but to keep a clean sheet away from home, especially at the Madejski Stadium, is pleasing. We have to make sure we replicate this level until the end of the season.”

Reading boss Brian McDermott stuck by his players following a defeat that could damage their survival bid.

Expectations around the Madejski Stadium had been high after the Royals’ recent run while the lure of moving out of the bottom three with victory loomed large.

“It was a bad day, but it doesn’t change my philosophy on what I am trying to do,” McDermott said.

“What they (the players) have done in the last three years for this football club has been incredible.”