O´Neill delighted with ´best´ win yet

Martin O’Neill said the 4-1 win at Wigan on Tuesday was the best win he has had since taking over as Sunderland manager.

O’Neill joined Sunderland at the start of December and the win was the club’s fourth from six starts under the experienced manager.

And the former Aston Villa and Celtic boss said the result at Wigan was the best of his four, even topping the 1-0 win at home against Manchester City on Saturday.

“I thought it was our best win since I’ve been here for every reason under the sun,” O’Neill said.

“The players were out on their feet against Man City a couple of days ago – and had a day less to prepare – but they summoned energy and courage that was fantastic.”

“There were one or two games, before I came, when Sunderland didn’t have luck.”

“We’ve had a wee bit of fortune. It’s a terrific run for us and has given us a bit of breathing space.”

Sunderland’s recent good form has seen them jump into the top half of the table and O’Neill said confidence was high at The Stadium of Light.

“The players don’t feel that they can be beaten at the moment. I think they are enjoying winning football matches,” O’Neill said.

“I’m delighted with the spirit of the team. They feed off each other and it was a magnificent performance.”

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said the hectic schedule over the festive period had caught up with his side.

“If I could’ve made 10 changes I would have made 10 changes, (the previous games) took a lot out of the players and we needed to have a bit of fresh legs but we were a little bit tired and that effects your play, you become a little bit pedestrian,” he said.

“I thought we moved the ball well and created three or four very good chances, we started bright but scoring the first goal was vital.”

“It’s been a very tough period in terms of fixtures in the festive period, and I feel we need a break.”

Martinez will now turn his sights to the January transfer window, where he will attempt to bring in some fresh faces to ensure the Latics remain in the top flight at the season’s end.

“We’re well aware the (transfer) window is an opportunity,” he said.

“We’ll try to bring a couple of players in.”