Malouda gives Chelsea narrow win

The France midfielder pounced in a packed area to stab the ball home on 67 minutes after Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi had failed to punch clear with David Luiz flicking Didier Drogba’s corner into a posse of bodies.   Chelsea are third in the table, eleven points behind leaders Manchester United, who downed Fulham […]

The France midfielder pounced in a packed area to stab the ball home on 67 minutes after Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi had failed to punch clear with David Luiz flicking Didier Drogba’s corner into a posse of bodies.

 

Chelsea are third in the table, eleven points behind leaders Manchester United, who downed Fulham 2-0 at Old Trafford, but the English champions have a game in hand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were worthy of their victory despite huffing and puffing to break down a stubborn visiting side, who remain bottom of the table and in deep trouble.

Fernando Torres replaced Nicolas Anelka on 59 minutes. He almost scored his first goal for Chelsea in the final 10 minutes after being played in by fellow substitute Yossi Benayoun, but Al Habsi dived to make a fine stop from the Spanish striker’s shot.