Chelsea's slim hopes of retaining their Premiership crown remain after a narrow 1-0 victory over battling Wigan at Stamford Bridge. Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi had kept the Latics in the game but Florent Malouda's half-volley in the second half was sufficient to keep the Latics in bottom position.
Didier Drogba had already gone close before the Malouda's opener and whilst Wigan pressed they lacked the quality to unduly trouble the Blues in the final third.
The Latics Franco Di Santo had a late chance but his header was well saved by Petr Cech.
Chelsea move up to third, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United but with a game in hand.
Referee: Howard Webb
Venue: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 40,734
Chelsea scorers: Malouda 67 Wigan scorers:
CHELSEA 01 Cech 02 Ivanovic 03 A Cole 04 David Luiz (yellow card) 19 Ferreira (Alex 75) 07 Ramires 08 Lampard 12 Mikel (Benayoun 46) 15 Malouda 11 Drogba 39 Anelka (Torres 59)
Substitutes 22 Turnbull, 33 Alex, 05 Essien, 10 Benayoun, 18 Zhirkov, 09 Torres, 21 Kalou
WIGAN 26 Al Habsi 03 Alcaraz 05 G Caldwell 17 Boyce (yellow card) 31 Figueroa (yellow card) 04 McCarthy 08 Watson 10 N'Zogbia (Di Santo 62) 15 Cleverley 21 Diame (Moses 85) 20 Rodallega (Sammon 62)
Substitutes 12 Pollitt, 02 Gohouri, 23 Stam, 11 Moses, 14 Gomez, 07 Di Santo, 18 Sammon
