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Dalglish angry as penalty hero Al Habsi lauds 'big result'

Charlie Adam's penalty was saved by Ali Al Habsi © Getty Images

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Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi believes he and his team-mates showed what they are made of in tonight`s 0-0 draw with Liverpool.

Despite being in the relegation zone, Wigan have beaten West Brom and drawn with Chelsea and Liverpool in their past three meetings.

Al Habsi was the hero of tonight's performance, saving a second-half penalty from Charlie Adam to give his side a chance, and he believes they are showing how much they have improved.

"It`s a big result,'' Al Habsi said. "The last three games we have been fantastic. Three points at West Brom and then two big teams here (at the DW Stadium).

"Everyone thought Wigan would be struggling, but we showed, as we do in training and in the dressing room, that we`ll fight to stay in this league.

"To play like we did against Chelsea and Liverpool, we showed we`re improving.''

Of his penalty save, the Oman international added: "They (most players) hit it at the angle he hit it at.

"He has a fantastic left foot and I was ready. I am happy and happy for everyone else.''

Al Habsi's manager, Roberto Martinez, was delighted not only with the point, but with the display of his side.

"It's not about the result, it`s once more about the performance,'' the Spaniard said.

"We spoke about carrying on from Saturday. After the first 20 minutes, when we invited pressure by giving the ball away, we opened the game up and had some really good chances.

"We played eye-to-eye and it would have been a disaster to lose that game. It's another step forward.''

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who played Luis Suarez for the full match despite only yesterday having an eight-game suspension served to him for using insulting words to Manchester United`s Patrice Evra, felt sorry for his players.

"We're not out there to miss them (penalties),'' he said. "We're getting them, but you'd much rather be putting them away.

"In the second half we had most of the possession. We'll keep getting in there and see what happens.

"You feel for the players not taking opportunities, because we work really hard for them.''

On Suarez, who was given a rough ride by sections of the crowd at times, the Scot added: "It's all very well and good to tell players to control themselves, the FA better start controlling crowds.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.