Football: Chelsea survive Wigan scare to close in on 4th

Mata scores 3 minutes into injury time to seal win for the Blues.


Afp April 07, 2012

LONDON:


Juan Mata’s last-gasp winner moved Chelsea to within two points of the top four after Branislav Ivanovic’s controversial opener set them on course for a 2-1 win over Wigan yesterday.


Mata found himself in the right place at the right time to turn home from close range after Fernando Torres had fired a volley against the post in the third minute of stoppage-time at Stamford Bridge. But it was Chelsea’s first goal that sparked a furious reaction from Wigan, who were convinced the Serb was well offside when his turned home a Raul Meireles cross.

Referee Mike Jones ignored the protests of the visitors and awarded the goal after consulting with his assistant, although replays supported Wigan’s claims that they had been hard done by.

Chelsea are now up to fifth, above Newcastle on goal difference, and within two points of fourth-placed Arsenal, who host Manchester City today.

Meanwhile, a first-half brace from Clint Dempsey sealed three points for Fulham as they beat Bolton Wanderers 3-0, giving the London side a morale-boosting away win but keeping the Trotters close to the drop zone. Bolton stay in 16th spot on 29 points, above QPR on 28 points, who take on league leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford today. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2012.

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