Fulham 1 Wigan 1: ‘Happy’ Roberto Martinez hails Franco di Santo’s stunning equaliser

Having trailed at the break to a fine drive from Giorgos Karagounis, the Latics boss admitted it had taken “something special” to get back into proceedings.

That something came from Franco di Santo on 71 minutes as the Argentinian weaved in from the left and drove past Mark Schwarzer with a fine finish.

“It was a special goal,” said Martinez.

“The way he found the back of the net was a special strike. Franco can be that clinical finisher.”

The two goals were moments of brightness in a match which too often waltzed along slowly to little effect.

Wigan had started the brighter, carving out two early chances before inexplicably retreating into their shell.

Martinez said the much-needed point augured well for his side’s chances of staying in the Premier League having proved they can “go away from home and be brave.”

There were several warnings for Fulham before the equaliser arrived but their boss Martin Jol pointed out that only an “unbelievable clearance off the line” by Maynor Figueroa had prevented a winner for the Cottagers in added time.