Hodgson's Wigan verdict

Roy Hodgson felt his side paid the price for their recent exertions as they produced what he described as a 'tired' performance in the 1-1 draw at Wigan.

The Reds had looked set to extend their winning run to five matches when Fernando Torres fired home a brilliant opener on six minutes.

However, the home side recovered to level through Hugo Rodallega, leaving the boss frustrated by his team's second-half showing.

"We didn't deserve to win the game," he told his post-match press conference.

"We looked tired today and I don't think our passing was anywhere near as good as we expected it to be. We had a bright start and a bright finish but for a long period in between we weren't anywhere near where I would expect us to be. I think we can be more than happy with the point we got from the game."

He added: "It was a wonderful piece of play from two outstanding players for our goal. It was a marvellous pass and wonderful finish that put us on the front foot. But we didn't capitalise on that. Even though we had a spell when we were pretty much in control, there were also long periods, especially from the start of the second half, where we just invited Wigan on to us.

"We consistently gave the ball away and as a result they took advantage and equalised. We did better towards the end and were perhaps a little bit unlucky with Steven's (Gerrard) shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, but it would have been harsh on Wigan had we won it."

Asked why he felt his side had failed to produce a similar display to the one that saw off Chelsea, Hodgson added: "I'd put that down to Napoli, Blackburn, Bolton and Chelsea - all with a small squad of players.

"We have five injuries at the moment. We finished the game with Martin Kelly, Jonjo Shelvey and Nathan Eccleston. That's what we have at the moment. Hopefully we will get some players back soon.

"Johnson's not fit. I overestimated his short training session and underestimated what would happen after it the following day, so he wasn't fit.

"Now we have to work hard to get players back in the right physical and mental frame of mind for another tough test at Stoke.

"We knew this game would be difficult because Wigan are not a bad side at all. They haven't had a good start themselves and showed they are a good football team on many occasions this evening."

The boss was also quizzed by journalist about his decision to substitute Raul Meireles at half-time.

Hodgson explained: "He was sick. I don't know how long it will take for him to recover. He felt ill just before the game in the warm up. He wanted to play and got through the first half but at half-time he was sick again, so there was no option."