Premier League: Irvine, Pearson, Bruce and Martinez on adversity

Just two days after Neil Warnock became the first casualty of the season, four managers who oversaw the busy festive period are under increasing pressure.

West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine, Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, Hull manager Steve Bruce and Everton's Roberto Martinez have seen their sides struggle so far this season.

Albion are one point above the bottom three after suffering a seventh defeat in nine matches in a 2-0 loss at Stoke.

"I want to carry on," said Irvine.

"I still want to do this job and I want to see it turning around, and that is not going to change."

He added that he will not quit the Premier League club, despite receiving abuse from Baggies supporters.

"I understand people are frustrated - I'm frustrated and so are the players," added the Scot.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Irvine's situation at the Baggies is "perilous".

"When confidence is low and things aren't going well, efforts on goal just don't go in," he told BBC's Match of the Day.

"I think it's perilous for Irvine. He went into the job on a negative footing. Fans weren't overjoyed by his appointment."

This is how the four managers reacted to their respective results on Sunday.

Irvine prepared to take criticism

Sunday's result: Stoke 2-0 West Brom

Premier League position: 16th

Irvine, who admitted before the match that he feared for his job, was targeted by angry Baggies fans as he walked to the Britannia Stadium tunnel at full-time.

The 56-year-old joined the Baggies last summer on a 12-month rolling contract as Spanish boss Pepe Mel's replacement.

But Albion have won just four of 19 top-flight matches under the former Sheffield Wednesday and Preston manager.

"I can understand fans expressing that frustration. That is the nature of the job," he added.

"If anyone is to take it, I am the person that is standing there. I stand out there and I don't hide - I'm there to be shot at.

"And, obviously, ultimately I make the final decisions, so, certainly, I'm prepared to take the criticism."

Leicester fans' support boosts Pearson

Nigel Pearson received a welcome lift with a long-awaited victory at his former club Hull

Sunday's result: Hull 0-1 Leicester

Premier League position: 20th

"It's very flattering hearing the fans sing your name," said Leicester boss Nigel Pearson after the win at the KC Stadium.

"To continue having the support of the football club and our fans… I want them to enjoy the season and they will only do that if we do what we set out to do.

"The feeling after winning today is one of relief. It's got to be.

"It was a big game. From our own perspective, losing today would have meant really losing touch."

Hull's Bruce warns of 'frustrating season'

Steve Bruce is enduring a tough season after receiving plaudits for his work at Hull last term

Sunday's result: Hull 0-1 Leicester

Premier League position: 17th

"Today we could have got something from the game against Leicester and we should have won it. That's the frustration to us all but we have to stay with it," said Tigers boss Bruce after his side's loss.

"It is going to be one of those frustrating, horrible seasons where all of us aren't enjoying it. But that's the way the Premier League is - it is unforgiving."

Martinez demands Everton unity

Roberto Martinez has struggled to reproduce Everton's fluency from last season

Sunday's result: Newcastle 3-2 Everton

Premier League position: 12th

"Four points from a possible 21, of course, it is a concern. It is not something we wanted to achieve," said Martinez after the loss at St James' Park.

"But it is the time to be very strong, understand what we want to do. The talent and character in the squad is incredible. We need to face adversity and get through this period as quickly as we can.

"I'm very excited about what we've got around the corner because the results aren't coming but I can see the effort and attitude of the players. It is a moment we need to help each other as a football club, from the fans to everyone else, to help the players get the results that I think we deserve."