Wigan response pleases Martinez

Roberto Martinez was pleased with Wigan's response to two early Chelsea goals despite his side ultimately being beaten 2-0 in their Premier League opener.

The Latics got off to a miserable start as Branislav Ivanovic and a Frank Lampard penalty put them behind inside seven minutes at the DW Stadium.

But they staged a spirited response lacking only the final product and Martinez was delighted by their efforts despite the result.

Character

He told Sky Sports: "I don't think it takes too much to realise we didn't start well enough. I don't think we had the intensity that you need in the league.

"We probably started at a pre-season tempo and, when you do that, you really put yourself in a difficult position.

"Then, on top of that, the two goals after six minutes was the worst possible way to start. But the reaction was incredible.

"I was so, so pleased with the manner in which we reacted and the character that we showed.

"You need that little chance to try and get back into the game. But I couldn't be happier. Those first six minutes put the team in a massively difficult position and the way we reacted was incredible.

"You can see the competition for places, the new faces coming in and adding a lot to the side.

"( I was) really, really pleased with the reaction and we only have ourselves to blame. If you drop 1 per cent in this league you get punished."

Martinez feels Wigan could have turned the game in their favour if they had managed to score.

He added: "We had our chances and if we had scored one goal we probably would have had a better feeling than we have now."

Ramis

New signing Ivan Ramis, who arrived from Mallorca this summer, endured a nightmare opening few minutes on his debut.

The centre-back, playing as part of a three-man defence, was turned by Eden Hazard in the build-up to Chelsea's opener before fouling the same player to concede a penalty.

But Martinez feels he showed character in how he came back into the game, adding: "The way we play is a demanding way for an defender.

"Ivan is a top player. If you see any player coming into a top league and having to adapt to new demands, and then react in the manner that he did it shows the character, leadership and what an outstanding footballer we've got."