Superb Latics no match for Chelsea
WIGAN ATHLETIC 3
Bramble 16
Rodallega 52 (pen)
Scharner 90
CHELSEA 1
Drogba 47
Report by Paul Chialton
Roberto Martinez spoke earlier in the week about making history against Chelsea, and that's exactly what Latics did, defeating Carlo Ancelotti's men 3-1.
What a fantastic performance from Latics it was, controlling every area of the pitch and making their opponents look distinctly average.
Titus Bramble was the man who the day off to a fantastic start, making space in the penalty area and powering Charles N'Zogbia's cross home, after a blistering start from the home team.
OPENING DEPOSIT: Bramble Banks the Opener
Momo Diame was a giant in the midfield, coming up against the likes of Frank Lampard and coming first every single time. Together with Hendry Thomas the two bossed it in the middle and made some crucial decisions.
Chelsea never threatened and never looked as though they had the mentality or the answers to get back in the game.
Full credit to Roberto Martinez, once Latics had taken the lead they stuck with the game-plan of pushing for more, not sitting back, and getting the rewards for it.
When Chelsea did make a response, albeit a fluke off Drogba's shin, there was no drop in belief and Martinez's men marched on and hit back!
And that was when the big talking point of the game occurred, Diame slipping Hugo Rodallega through, only to be brought down by Petr Cech for a penalty. The Czech 'keeper subsequently received his marching orders!
The substitute 'keeper Henrique Hilario could do nothing to stop Rodallega's rocket, and Latics found themselves 2-1 up against ten-men, whereas Chelsea were up against 15,000 as the entire stadium bounced.
With their opponents on the ropes it was Paul Scharner, coming back into the team who delivered the knockout blow, converting into an open goal from Maynor Figueroa's cross.
CHERRY ON THE ICING: Scharner pounces on Figueroa's goal-bound strike to seal the win
So, at the 35th time of asking Wigan Athletic get three points against one of the big boys. A tremendous performance with each and every player, and fan, willing to give absolutely every drop of sweat for the result. One for the memory books then, as Martinez and the boys sweep aside the league-leaders.
Latics: Kirkland; Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa; Diame, Thomas; N'Zogbia, Scharner, Rodellega; Scotland (King, 88)
Subs: Pollitt, Amaya, Cho, Koumas, Gomez, de Ridder
Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa (Kalou, 68), Terry, Carvalho, A. Cole; Essien, Mikel (Belletti, 45), Lampard, Malouda (Hilario 52); Drogba, Anelka
Subs: Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Ferreira, Borini
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