Hu and cry for Rafa
Roberto Martinez hailed hotshot Hugo Rodallega after the Colombian rediscovered his shooting boots to gun down Liverpool.
He grabbed his first goal since Boxing Day to fire Latics to only their second league win of 2010 and lift them four points clear of the drop zone.
And despite every player stepping up to the plate, Martinez could not conceal his delight that Rodallega struck the decisive blow.
The Wigan boss said: "If we want to be successful we need every player to reach a certain level and win as a team.
"I am sure one or two players will take the headlines, but you don't beat Liverpool with individual performances – you beat Liverpool with a complete performance and great support from the fans.
"But it was great to see Hugo finally getting his rewards for getting into those positions, as he always does.
"It's very easy to hide when things are not going your way, and not continue to get into the right positions, and his goal was the icing on the cake for us."
Latics won pretty much every individual battle across the park – Liverpool did not force Chris Kirkland into a worthy save.
And Martinez could not hide hie relief after a run of nine games without a win had seen his men slip into the relegation dogfight.
He added: "It's only three points but it is a massive results for us. We spoke a few months ago about beating the top four clubs, and to now have beaten two of those sides – and the manner in which we have done it – is fantastic.
"It wasn't a lucky win. We kept Liverpool very, very quiet.
"We finished the game with a very youthful side with a backbone of experience. It is a huge step forward for us.
"We were very disciplined at the back and we stopped them from creating anything.
"Not many teams score from open play against Liverpool and we also looked a real threat in the second half when everyone expected them to impose themselves on the game."
The much-improved display, and result, fully vindicated Wigan's decision to relay the pitch at the DW Stadium that had resembled a cabbage patch for the past month or so.
Martinez said: "The pitch really helped us. I don't liked to make excuses but we have been damaged in the last three or four weeks by the pitch.
"This is something that sends out a great message from the club – we want to play the right way and compete with the best teams in the Premier League.
"I would also like to thank the fans for their support during the tough moments.
"They make a real difference, and when the players match that with determination and desire, it creates a special combination."
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Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
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