Chelsea’s title hopes in tatters after late Wigan goal
15th April, 2008
Chelsea are all but out of the Premier League race after drawing with relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic last night.
A drab first half only saw a couple of good chances, with Anelka twice going close with headers. The team were booed off at half time, with the fans knowing nothing but a win will do. It was only until the start of the second half that Chelsea got going, the introduction of Joe Cole immediately making a difference. John Terry hit the crossbar and Chris Kirkland somehow saved from point blank range from Salomon Kalou. Two minutes later the home side got the goal that was so vital, Anelka turning provider to Essien who hit the back of the net from 20 yards on 54 minutes.
Chelsea looked to kill the game off with a second goal but their final touch eluded them, as Wigan occasionally broke and created some chances. Just when it looked as if Chelsea would walk out 1-0 winners, Wigan found themselves with more men in the box as a cross came over and was neatly converted by Emile Heskey to stun the Chelsea faithful in the 92nd minute.
The draw leaves Chelsea five points behind United, with Everton to play on Thursday. By winning their next two games, Chelsea would go ahead of the reigning champions but would still need them to lose another of the games after that. After last night’s result, Chelsea are out to up to 13/1 to win the title, whilst United are as short as 1/25. Wigan’s hard earned point puts them out to 20/1 to avoid relegation with Bet 365 according to our odds comparison service.
By Chris M
