First half goals do the trick for Chelsea

Wigan 0 Chelsea 2

Two delightful first-half goals from Chelsea, inspired by Shaun Wright-Phillips and finished by Frank Lampard and Juliano Belletti, were enough to see Chelsea past struggling Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

Lampard followed up his midweek Carling Cup hat-trick against Leicester with another trademark goal, meeting Wright-Phillips’ pinpoint ball after 10 minutes.

Belletti produced a stunning individual effort after the England winger kept the ball in play with some athletic work and although the quality flagged in the second period, it was enough to cut the gap on the Barclays Premier League league leaders.

Drogba, whose future at the club has been under almost constant scrutiny since Jose Mourinho left, was becoming ill-disciplined, conceding fouls on a number of occasions as Chelsea’s rhythm dipped.

It took a deft piece of tracking back from Wright-Phillips to quell a dangerous Wigan break as Landzaat erred on the ball.

Wigan, meanwhile, were causing panic in the away defence with some aggressive running, although Bent looked like he could do with help up front.

Paul Scharner had his side’s last real effort, connecting well but not forcing a save.