A shock injury-time goal from Emile Heskey put a massive dent in Chelsea's dwindling Premier League title hopes as Wigan snatched a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Midfielder Michael Essien looked to have given Chelsea three vital points with a 55th-minute opener, placing a rising drive past Chris Kirkland from Nicolas Anelka's set-up.
But Heskey struck in the 92nd minute to leave Chelsea five points adrift of Manchester United at the top of the table.
Chelsea manager Avram Grant refused to concede defeat in the battle for the title after the match.
He told Setanta Sports: "We are still in the title race. It is more difficult now but we will still fight away.
"In the second half we played wonderful. It was one of our best performances and we had a lot of chances.
"But this is football. If you don't score the second one and don't pay attention this is what happens.
"Our problem this year is we don't use the chances. I don't know why, maybe it is a lack of concentration."
Wigan boss Steve Bruce praised his players' attitude after weathering a Chelsea storm in the second-half.
The former Manchester United defender said: "It was very pleasing because for a spell of 20 minutes in the second half Chelsea almost blew us away.
"To be fair we stuck in and the goalkeeper produced some wonderful saves and we got the reward in the end."
Bruce believes his side are now inching closer to Premier League safety.
He added: "We have got 35 points now, usually that's enough, over the last few years. It's been a wonderful achievement to get to 35."
04-15-2008, 07:53 AM
Chelsea 1 - 1 Wigan
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