Opinion: Performances to build on

Last updated : 29 October 2012 By Paul Farrington

Belief of this simple theory would be testify as to why the Latics have remained in the Premier League for the length of time presently achieved.

Last season we looked dead and burried at Christmas time and it was unclear where the next positive result was coming from. The underlying performances were not too bad and put simply, we just couldn't score and seemed to roll over at the back.

Whilst not quite so poor the start this season has left a lot to be desired in terms of points tally, but the underlying performances on the whole have been good.

Blips apart the Latics have performed well this season and would certainly appear to have enough about them to stay away from the bottom three.

With Southampton, Reading, and Q.P.R.  seemingly determined to be relegated this season now is the time to push for mid-table and give the supporters a rest for a change.

A slump in recent results against Fulham, Everton, and Swansea was starting to cause jitters amongst supporters and players alike with just Roberto Martinez faithful to his philosophy that performances will see you through.

A little more concentration and focus would hopefully see us return to the immense levels achieved toward the tail end of last season.

James McArthur appears to be nearing full fitness again, whilst Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone look so incredibly dangerous up top and have a perfect supply line from little Shaun Maloney.

Still the annoying defensive frailties exist as was evident at Swansea and also in the dying moments against West Ham.

We appear to be nearing the levels needed to be abel to enjoy a season of mid-table obscurity with hopefully a half decent cup run (Bradford permitting).

At a time when the budget is being cut and the club developed off the field the on the field achievements and continuity are testimatent to the work of our present manager who is doing a sterling job in building not only a first team, but a whole club to be proud of.

There is a lot of work to be done before we can relax and chill out boasting of our new found mid-table status. We're still very much at the wrong end of the table in a position where a couple of results amongst the bottom clubs would put us under some serious pressure.

All is far from rosy, but with a bit of hard work over the winter period the Latics garden could be a particularly pleasant place to be come the spring.