Late Wigan goal dents Chelsea's title hopes

LONDON (Reuters) - Wigan Athletic severely dented Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League title on Monday when an injury time goal from Emile Heskey gave the relegation-threatened visitors a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked all set to close the gap on Manchester United at the top to three points thanks to a 55th minute Michael Essien goal but Heskey's late equaliser left Chelsea five points behind United with four matches to play. United have 80 points and Chelsea 75.

The opening goal of a largely uninspiring match was scored by Chelsea midfielder Essien who fired home early in the second half within a minute of John Terry hitting Wigan's bar and Salomon Kalou having a point-blank shot saved by Chris Kirkland.

Heskey scored when he connected with a cross from Jason Koumas and lashed the ball past Petr Cech from close range. The victory moved Wigan on to 35 points, six clear of the relegation zone. Chelsea were booed off by their own fans at halftime and at the end of the game.

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