You are in > manchester.com  > News > Last-minute Heskey strike dents Chelsea's title hopes

General Sport

Last-minute Heskey strike dents Chelsea's title hopes

14/04/2008

Emile Heskey scored a crucial goal in the race for the title when his last-minute equaliser snatched a 1-1 draw for Wigan against Chelsea.

The Blues needed a win to keep pace with Manchester United at the top of the table but are now five points adrift of the leaders with four games remaining.

Chelsea had looked to be heading for victory thanks to Michael Essien's second-half goal but Heskey volleyed home Jason Koumas' cross to boost Wigan's hopes of retaining their Premier League status.

It was a match the home side should have won but Latics goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was in inspired form, saving well against Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou.

Chelsea created the best chances and were unlucky not to go ahead when John Terry rose to meet a corner only to see his header come back off the woodwork.

They eventually gained the lead when Essien latched on to the ball at the edge of the area and smashed it passed Kirkland.

Having taken the lead the Blues then appeared to lose some impetus, content to keep the ball in the middle of the park.

However, that tactic allowed Wigan to gain in confidence and, with renewed relegation fears following wins for Fulham and Bolton on Saturday, their midfield refused to give in lightly.

Antoine Sibierski fired a warning shot to the Blues defence in the closing minutes, but found Petr Cech equal to his shot.

But the Czech goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Heskey's thunderbolt as time expired.

The Stamford Bridge crowd let their feelings heard when the final whistle blew shortly after Heskey's goal, booing their team off the pitch.