Chelsea 2 - 0 Wigan
FA Premier League
Chelsea were rarely troubled as they cruised to a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Frank Lampard and, once again, Michael Essien. Didier Drogba won man of the match, as he demonstrated what Chelsea were missing without him, leading the line brilliantly and holding up play with expert technique.
Wigan were tenacious at first, and were making a couple of half-chances, but Chelsea stood strong in defence, as ever, and they finally made the breakthrough after half-an-hour. The ball was played long to Drogba who held the ball up superbly before laying a pass through the defence for Michael Essien who blasted home first time, advantage Chelsea.
And straight after half-time, Drogba was at it again, this time playing in a through ball for Zhirkov, who was about to pull the trigger from 5 yards but was brought down rashly by a Liam Rosenior challenge. Up stepped Frank Lampard to slam home his 3rd penalty of the campaign and give Chelsea a nice 2 goal cushion.
Kalou made an appearance second half, but another lacklustre display from him led to the manager announcing that he would be having a week's break from first-team duties, and will instead be playing for the reserves to find some form. His display was topped off with a gaping miss, slamming high and wide from 3 yards when Sturridge cross the ball along the box.
When Drogba was replaced by Benayoun, he was given a standing ovation by the Chelsea fans. His role is critical, and that was proven in the last 15 minutes as Chelsea failed to hold onto the ball in the final third, a problem the manager will need to address when they are forced to play without him.
Chelsea Squad: Cech, Cole, Alex, Terry, Ferreira, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Zhirkov (Kalou 65), Anelka (Sturridge 69), Drogba (Benayoun 82)
Unused subs: Walker, Ivanovic, Phillip, Borini