Martinez proud of Wigan character

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez praised the efforts of his players after they made it two wins on the bounce against Norwich on Saturday.

Arouna Kone struck nine minutes from time to hand Wigan a 1-0 victory at home to Norwich, their second successive win in the Premier League and third in four matches.

Wigan climbed out of the relegation zone on goal difference as a result and Martinez commended his side’s efforts.

“It was very important (to win) as you can imagine, I think the points they are vital to try to increase the points tally,” Martinez told Sky Sports after the game.

“But today was more important than that. Today was to find a way to perform after an international break which historically for us has been very, very difficult.

“Today we had to find that extra character to keep a clean sheet against a Norwich side who are the best team in the Barclays Premier League in dead-ball situations and we all know how organised they are and how well they do to keep a clean sheet.

“So I’m extremely, extremely proud. I think it is one of those performances that probably we weren’t at our best in terms of the style and the fluent possession that we always have because we had a few tired legs as you can expect.”

Norwich’s defeat further highlighted their travel woes, with two successive losses away from home.

Saturday’s disappointment extended the club’s winless run to seven games outside of Carrow Road, with their last victory coming against Swansea at Liberty Stadium in December last year.

Norwich play four of their final seven Premier League games on home soil, something manager Chris Hughton is relishing.

“We’ve got seven games to go, we’ve got four of them at home,” said Hughton.

“I think for a club like ourselves that have a good home record, I think our season is always going to be based on the points that you can get and the wins – the three-pointers – that you can get at home and what you’re able to pick up away from home.

“But that’s then. At the moment it’s not a nice feeling because we’re coming away from somewhere where we felt we deserved a little bit more.”