Hot on the heels of the 3-1 home defeat to Bolton, and coming off the back of five straight league defeats, this is presently a Wigan Athletic team that is low on confidence.
A trip to face Newcastle, who have started the season very brightly, was just what the Latics didn't need.
However it was the opposite of the Bolton display a little over a week ago as the Latics put up a strong fight and were unlucky to come away from St James Park without a share of the points.
This was a team performance to a man. Each player put in a good shift and did their job. Not only did the Latics slow Newcastle down, but at the same time they created chances of their own.
Victor Moses, Momo Diame, and Hugo Rodallega could all have found the net but for a little more composure.
It was pleasing to see Albert Crusat given the chance to settle into life on the pitch as Martinez focussed on playing a team that could hold its own aswell as cause Newcastle problems.
The Latics are presently the lowest scorers in the league and the integration of Crusat and fellow transfer window addition, Shaun Maloney into the team is vital if the goals are going to flow. Even a trickle would do at the moment.
David Jones has played no small part in the improvement. He has come in and performed very well to replace the stuttering James McCarthy.
The former Wolves and Manchester United player fits in well with the attacking style of play and offers much needed defensive steel when we are without possession.
The shoots of improvement were there for all to see, and that is a big positive for a side that is in free fall.
Despite defeat, this was a marked improvement from the Latics. Most annoying for supporters is that it has come a week late.
Bolton were taken to pieces again, this time at home to Sunderland, and the Latics needed three points last week.
Shoots of improvements, good performances, and positives are not going to keep the Latics in the division. With a gruelling November and December looming large on the horizon, the pressure is on against Fulham at the DW Stadium next week.
Up the Latics!
