Chelsea 4-1 Wigan: Super Frank Getting Closer
By Since66
February 10 2013
Chelsea have been on the end of some flattering scorelines in the past so I have no care that Wigan and Roberto Martinez, waking up this morning feel the same. If it hadn’t been for superb saves by Al-Habsi (notably from Torres) we would have been comparing the game with the 8-0 victory of a couple of years ago.
Yesterday was all about getting three points, no matter how they came about.
Cech on his return was the busier of the two ‘keepers saving well from Di Santo and Maloney and once Chelsea settled, Torres delightfully spread the ball out wide for the charging Ramires to blast home to give Chelsea the lead.
Eden Hazard, also on his return, put Chelsea 2-0 early in the second-half and then a few minutes later, Shaun Maloney beat the offside trap, rounded Cech and from a tight angle slotted the ball home, giving Wigan some hope of leaving Stamford Bridge with at least a point.
There was a collective murmuring around The Bridge of ‘here we go again’ as fans reflected on the recent throwaways.
There were some nerve-racking moments for Chelsea to endure and the faithful held their breath when Stam’s shot hit Ashley Cole arm in the penalty area. Thankfully referee Mike Dean waved play on despite Wigan’s vigorous protests.
I can think of a couple of refs who would have pointed to the spot!!
Three minutes from time Chelsea sealed the win with a trademark Super Frank finish, taking him to 198 Chelsea goals (four behind Bobby Tambling).
Once again Super Frank, leaving the saga of his future behind him, proved his worth with another wonderful performance, for at least another year in Chelsea Blue.
It just beggars belief that Abramovich and his yes men have let this situation run and run and run.
SIGN HIM UP!!!
Marko Marin, a very late substitute, scored his first Chelsea goal with a diving header and Chelsea’s 100th goal in all competitions this season.
Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill (Benayoun 87), Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Lampard (c), Ramires, Oscar (Mata 77), Hazard (Marin 90), Torres.
Goals: Ramires 23, Hazard 55, Lampard 87, Marin 90
Booked: Marin 90
Wigan: Al Habsi, Scharner, Caldwell (c), Figueroa, Stam (Jones 82), McArthur, McCarthy, Espinoza (Kone 58), Beausejour, Di Santo, Maloney.
Goal: Maloney 57
Booked: Scharner 63, Figueroa 79
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