Martinez hails players’ attitude
Wigan Athletic's Maynor Figueroa (right) and goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi celebrate victory after the final whistle during the Barclays Premier League match at White Hart Lane
ROBERTO Martinez claimed his Wigan players had been prepared to die for each other after watching them end their horrendous start to the Barclays Premier League season with a 1-0 win at Tottenham.
The Latics stunned Spurs with a 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane, which came on the back of 4-0 and 6-0 defeats in their opening two games of the campaign. They had also shipped nine goals in the corresponding fixture last season but their defence was simply unrecognisable from those debacles.
“The type of performance we had was really of a group of players really committed,” said manager Martinez after watching Hugo Rodallega net an 80th-minute winner. “They were prepared to give their lives for each other.”
The Latics boss admitted his side had lacked such qualities in previous matches.
“We were missing that togetherness, that team spirit,” he said.
“But today, everyone will agree that we had that in abundance.”
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp’s worst fears were realised as his side suffered what appeared a hangover from their historic progress to the Champions League group stage.
But Redknapp insisted Wednesday night’s exertions were no excuse, saying: “Why should it be? You should come here today full of confidence after winning 4-0 in a Champions League game.
“You should come here today and feel fantastic about yourself, not have a hangover or feel lethargic.
“You should go out there today knowing the crowd love you and the way you played on the Wednesday and last Saturday and come here and really play today.”
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Friday 10 February 2012
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