Martinez praise for Rodallega - 7M sport

Martinez praise for Rodallega

Posted Saturday, October 24, 2009 by PA

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez praised the smiling Hugo Rodallega for the clinical finishing that ended Burnley's proud Turf Moor record.

Two goals from the Colombian gave the Latics a 3-1 win, their first on the road since the opening day of the season, and he is becoming something of a lucky charm for Martinez's side.

Rodallega now has five goals for the season, with all four of the Latics' wins this campaign coming with the 24-year-old on the scoresheet.

"His work rate was exceptional, but then he is a clinical finisher and to have that instinct in your play is a massive asset," said a delighted Martinez.

"I was pleased because sometimes as a striker you work really hard and you don't get your rewards, but he got his.

"I felt the performance was exceptional from everyone, and it would be unfair to single anyone out.

"But when you've a player who has that clinical finish in him, it allows you to convert performances into good results, and Hugo did that.

"He enjoys the game. We're very fortunate we've certain characters who want to work for their team-mates, but they also want to enjoy themselves and express themselves on the pitch.

"You saw that, especially in the second half. The players enjoyed themselves, but at the same time they were very disciplined with their jobs on the pitch, and that allows you to be a team.

"I think the great example is Hugo, who plays with a smile on his face."

After Steven Fletcher's fourth-minute opener, Rodallega's reply was hardly clinical, tapping into an empty net as goalkeeper Brian Jensen twisted his ankle as he came to collect a cross from Wigan captain Mario Melchiot.

Rodallega's second was superb, however, cracking in a low right-foot drive from 18 yards in off replacement goalkeeper Diego Penny's left-hand post six minutes into the second half.

Fourteen minutes from time defender Emmerson Boyce sidefooted home his side's third, the second of his Wigan career and his first for 11 months, to seal the points.

Although Clarke Carlisle planted a looping header onto the bar late on, a Burnley side far removed from the one that had beaten Manchester United, Everton, Sunderland and Birmingham on home soil this season saw their 100% record come to an end.

Manager Owen Coyle, though, felt it was unjustified as he said: "If you lose any game it's disappointing.

"We've also lost our unbeaten home record, but there were a lot of pleasing aspects within it.

"There were big chunks of that game we controlled, we had numerous opportunities after starting the game well and scoring a terrific goal, only to concede a truly bizarre equaliser.

"We had a 20 minute period after they scored their second where our football was fantastic which resulted in numerous chances.

"On another day we would have won that game. There's no doubt about that.

"But we'll take our medicine and look to bounce back because we've a massive home game next week (against Hull), and we'll have to make sure we're ready for it."

Assessing Wigan's equaliser, which was arguably a turning point despite coming so early in the game, Coyle added: "There was no danger.

"The ball was played through, Brian came to collect it, and he has twisted his ankle in the process.

"You can prepare your team all week, but that is something you just cannot legislate for.

"After that we were a little disjointed, and I don't know if it's because we were feeling sorry for ourselves, but we hit back and took the game to Wigan.

"After that I don't think Diego had a save to make. It wasn't a 3-1 where Wigan were far better than us on the day. Far from it."

Wigan's win was marred by Maynor Figueroa suffering a grade two tear of the medial ligament in his left knee that will keep him out for several weeks.

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.