The Latics were convincing in victory but will face more difficult tests (no disrespect meant toward Barnsley) over the coming season, and this was recognised by Coyle who highlighted the trip to Wembley next week to face the Champions.
However that is not to take the gloss off what was a polished performance from a newly assembled squad that was a credit to the new manager.
Speaking after the game, Coyle said: "I think if someone had told me before the game that the performance was going to be of that stature, then we'd have grabbed that with both hands.
"I stressed to the players before the game, and I'll stress it after the game, anybody who comes to Barnsley and thinks they're going to walk in and be handed anything then they're sadly mistaken. They're going to have to put in big performances to win points here, there's no doubt about that.
"We knew in the early part of the game we were going to have to stand toe-to-toe with them and earn the right to play our football, which we did. It was ever so pleasing.
"We scored four goals and, if truth be told, we could have had few more. But it's one game and there's 45 to come and we're certainly not getting carried away in terms of what it means. It means three points."
The Latics now face a week off from the League with Sunday's trip to Wembley to face Manchester United in the Community Shield. Who would bet against another 4-0 scoreline...