Wigan Athletic's Franco Di Santo doubles up against QPR

The statistics for Franco Di Santo provide worrying reading for any striker, let alone one for whom there were such great expectations when he joined Chelsea in 2008. When the Argentinian scored for Wigan Athletic against Sunderland in the 4-2 defeat at the Stadium of Light in April, he had only two to his name in a frustrating start to life in English football.

But the 22-year-old doubled his tally on Saturdayto inspire Wigan to an important first league win of the season. And Roberto Martínez, the Latics manager, predicted a brighter future for Di Santo, who had a disappointing loan spell at Blackburn Rovers before joining Wigan from Chelsea for £2m a year ago.

"Sometimes I feel we have been a bit unfair to assess Franco," said Martínez. "He came to Wigan at a very young age, he is still only 22 and has had a few experiences. The way he works, the way he understands the game, now he has the rewards he deserves.

"He has always been influential on our team but, as a striker, there is nothing better than hitting the back of the net. His goals were technically superb but he knows he has to work really, really hard. He has a long way to go to fulfil his potential but he has everything. This could be a springboard for him."

Di Santo's opener came in the 41st minute. It started with him 30 yards out, when he found Hugo Rodallega, collected the return pass, flicked the ball up and sent a stunning volley past Paddy Kenny.

The decisive second came in the 66th minute and highlighted his new-found confidence. With his back to goal, Di Santo turned and let fly from the edge of the box and watched the ball soar into the top corner, aided by a deflection off Bruno Perone.

Joey Barton watched his Queens Park Rangers team-mates at the DW Stadium after completing his free-transfer move from Newcastle, and the right-back Luke Young has joined from Aston Villa. More, much-needed recruits are set to follow, but Neil Warnock felt his side deserved better after a spirited display.

They struck the woodwork twice through Adel Taarabt, the first a neat turn and shot that beat the despairing dive of Ali al-Habsi but hit the inside of the post. The second followed an audacious free-kick attempt from 40 yards. It struck a defender en route and Habsi stretched to touch the ball on to the post. Perone also headed against the bar and Habsi made fine saves to keep out Shaun Derry and Taarabt efforts, as Wigan finally overcame a newly promoted side, following draws against Norwich and Swansea.

Warnock said: "At 1-0, you need somebody to grab people by the throat – in a nice way – and say, 'Let's get going'. If we had scored the first goal, we would have won the game.

"All you can ask for is the lads to do their best and I said afterwards I can't ask for any more than that."

He was also heartened by the new arrivals, particularly Barton: "I didn't think we'd get Joey, if I'm being honest. I'm amazed one of the bigger clubs hasn't had a gamble on him and given him a chance. I think he should be playing at the top level. If he concentrates on his football, I don't think there is much better around in this country."