The 35 year old's side went down 6-1 to Watford last week and so their recovery to beat the Latics by Lewis Grabban's first goal was a welcome site for Howe.
Speaking after the game he said: "I`m really pleased with the lads tonight and it has been a good start to the season.
"The game had a bit of everything; a penalty, a sending off and two good teams going at it.
"But I`m really pleased with the clean sheet because it was a great response and a mental test for lads, and they came through it."