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Grant: Chelsea still in title race despite Wigan draw

15/04/2008

Avram Grant has claimed Chelsea are still in with a shout in the title race despite dropping vital points at home to struggling Wigan Athletic.

A late equaliser from striker Emile Heskey earned the Latics a vital point in their battle against the drop, cancelling out Michael Essien's opening goal.

The Blues had looked lacklustre all game until Joe Cole was introduced as a second-half substitute to inject some pace and directness into the home side's play.

But Heskey's late leveller - which he turned home from close range after a raking cross from Jason Koumas - hit Chelsea's title hopes as much as it helped Wigan's survival bid.

Despite Manchester United now sitting five points clear of Grant's side with just four games left, the Stamford Bridge supremo wants his team to keep fighting in the league and make things interesting with two wins in the next two games.

"We need to win the games against Everton and Manchester United," said Grant.

"If not, it will be difficult. We are still in it and we will keep on fighting, but we need one more bad result off Manchester United."

After being booed off by the home supporters at the end of the first half, Chelsea came out with a much-improved showing in the second period.

And Grant claimed the second 45 minutes was "one of our best performances of the season".

"Every three or four minutes we created chances, but their goalkeeper put in an excellent performance. However, this is football - when you don't score, the other team does."