Timely Mata keeps Chelsea in top-four contention
Saturday, April 7, 2012
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A goal three minutes into added time from Juan Mata earned Chelsea FC a 2-1 win against Wigan Athletic FC, after third-placed Tottenham Hotspur FC had dropped points at Sunderland AFC.
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Chelsea FC made ground on Tottenham Hotspur FC in the battle for a UEFA Champions League place following a dramatic 2-1 home victory against lowly Wigan Athletic FC.
Tottenham moved third after a 0-0 draw with Sunderland AFC in the early kick-off, allowing the Blues to climb to within three points of their London rivals thanks to Juan Mata's fortuitous added-time winner. Branislav Ivanović's third goal in two league games had put Roberto Di Matteo's men in front, only for Mohamed Diamé (82) to temporarily level for Wigan.
The win lifts Chelsea above Newcastle United FC – 2-0 victors on Friday at Swansea City AFC – into fifth on goal difference. Arsenal FC will replace Tottenham in third if they defeat Manchester City FC on Sunday, when leaders Manchester United FC host Queens Park Rangers FC.
Liverpool FC's disappointing form continued, meanwhile, Luis Suárez's late equaliser salvaging a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa FC. At the bottom, Blackburn Rovers FC lost 3-0 against West Bromwich Albion FC and Bolton Wanderers FC succumbed by the same score to Fulham FC, for whom Clint Dempsey scored twice.
Norwich City FC drew 2-2 with Everton FC, while Stoke City FC overcame struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 2-1 in the late fixture.
