Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic claimed a vital victory as Newcastle United's hopes of Champions League qualification were dented.

In a surprisingly open start Wigan netted four first half goals as a brace from Victor Moses and efforts from Franco Di Santo and Shaun Maloney settled the Latics.

It was a hugely disappointing defeat for Newcastle, but Martinez was satisfied with Wigan's attitude and application.

"It was important that after the result against Fulham we got back to the level of performances we'd seen before that game against the likes of Manchester United.

"If anything we did that but found new confidence and belief in front of goal which was a joy to watch. In the first half we worked really hard to stop a Newcastle side that came here with real momentum after six consecutive victories. We stopped them playing and then slowly began to dominate the game for which I hope the players get huge credit.

"The chances we've been creating lately are down to the pattern of play that the players are showing a real understanding in and their movement off the ball was very effective. Then, in front of goal, the finishes from Franco Di Santo,Shaun Maloney and Victor Moses were top class.

"That comes from belief and this group deserves massive credit for their hard work. In the second half we switched off a little and were perhaps a little too concerned with the score-line rather than playing the game which is normal.

"Overall, the performance has taken us another step forward and now we need to make sure we get ready for the Blackburn game."

Martinez is completely aware that Wigan haven't secured their top flight status yet and is hoping to maintain their recent form in the closing fortnight of the campaign.


"We're still in a situation where we are fighting against relegation which is not going to change, but it's fair to say that April has had the biggest football impact in the history of Wigan Athletic for which everyone at the Club deserves huge credit.

"Now we've got two more massive cup finals were the same levels are required from everyone." I'm sure from the outside everyone will focus on what a poor performance it was from Newcastle, but from within our Club I want all the fans to be proud of their team because of their ability to perform like this under such pressure circumstances.

"The fans got behind the team in an incredible manner and we felt that energy throughout the game. We've created a strong environment at the DW Stadium and it inspired some breathtaking football."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew still thinks the Magpies can finish in the top four. "The possibility of Champions League football has not gone away from us. People were saying if we beat Wigan we still had three tough games and perhaps that made us slightly complacent.

"We talked about it beforehand, tried to make sure it didn't happen but it's one thing to talk about it and another to match the intensity Wigan showed in the first half-hour. We just didn't get a grip in the first 30 minutes, and then they scored an absolutely special goal right on the stroke of half time to make it four.

"I don't want to take anything away from Wigan, they were brilliant, but I don't think complacency is going to be a problem any more. We have now lost to Wigan and we still have three tough games. I'm expecting a reaction on Wednesday night, we know what we have to do.

"You can get a bit carried away by winning six games in a row, but it's is important to take a proper away game mentality to Chelsea on Wednesday. Maybe we didn't really bring that to Wigan, so we can't complain about the result."