All that was lacking was a finishing touch with Roberto Martinez' side having to make do with a point against a very poor Aston Villa side.
Speaking about the game to the club's official website, the Spaniard said: "It's a valuable point gained because each one counts between now and the end of the season and to get that result against Aston Villa you have to do a lot of things well.
"On the other hand, when you reflect on the performance, it feels as though it's two points dropped because we were so controlling for large spells.
"When you win 14 corners and enjoy the possession we did it deserves more of a reward; we worked hard, the concentration levels were very high to keep Aston Villa's pace and unpredictability going forward very quiet.
"In our situation we need to be picking up three points, but I'm very proud at the manner in which the players approached the game and we can look back on a point gained on top of the four points that preceded it against Everton and Bolton Wanderers."
There was also a message about the ongoing fight to survive in the Premier League and the fantastic attitude of the players when going about their task.
"There's a real enjoyment about the task ahead and togetherness within the squad which combats the nerves and anxiety going into these high pressure games along with the fans," added Martinez.
"We're an example as a football club of how to face adversity and it really deserves more of a reward, but I guarantee that if we continue to show the same attitude that will come."
Next up for the Latics is the visit of Martinez' former club Swansea City to the DW Stadium next weekend.
