Ugly win in Wigan a sign of Blue collar work ethic

SUNDAY was not, for the most part, pretty. In fact it was pretty frustrating to watch and there was much moaning around me from supporters who had expected the dazzling display of last week to continue.

But you have to give credit where credit is due — Wigan had done their homework and made the game very hard for us. Just as Portsmouth gave us time and space on the ball, so Wigan gave us neither and were rewarded by constantly dispossessing us and making the Chelsea rearguard earn its money.

It was a good feeling to head back down south not only with the three points tucked safely in our pockets, but also with the knowledge that Scolari knew what it took to grind out a result when necessary.