GAFFER DELIGHTED FOR PLAYERS

Martinez describes win as ‘great reward’ for team’s attitude and performance

In a season that has brought so many cruel twists Roberto Martinez was delighted for his players to earn such a special win over Burnley and make even more day-light between themselves and the drop-zone.

Hugo Rodallega was the star of the show converting a Victor Moses cross with a diving header that sent the DW Stadium into delirium, and the gaffer gave his thoughts on an emotional afternoon;

“It was a great feeling when the ball hit the net because over the last few games so much has gone against us and at times been very unfair,” said Martinez.

“It was getting to the point where I thought their goalkeeper would be picking up the man-of-the-match award after making some great saves towards the end.

“We had a few chances earlier in the game to score, but that is the kind of reward the lads deserve, not just from today but from all those performances we deserved more from this season.

“I think today shows that sometimes you do get the rewards you deserve.

“Burnley came here and did very well, they were very disciplined putting plenty of bodies behind the ball trying to make things very difficult.

“At times the game was very stop, start but it was important to keep that calmness in our performance and it was very satisfying to see that from everyone.

“You could see people were getting anxious in the first-half but after the break the players did well and grew into the game as it went along.

“We knew we had to increase the tempo in the second-half, because up until that point we’d allowed Burnley to frustrate us and we weren’t getting into the right positions quick enough.

“But our passing and decision-making got a lot better and quicker which allowed us to enter the final stages of the game looking dangerous.”

The gaffer also took the time to praise Victor Moses who added a different dimension to Latics’ attack when he came on in the second-half, providing the cross for Rodallega’s goal and showing great composure throughout;

“Victor’s been a breath of fresh air since arriving at the club and we all knew the talent he had.

“The step up to the Premier League is a big one but the way he’s been performing shows the maturity in his play and the ability he has.

“He produced a great assist at the end which was finished well and that will give him a big boost.”