Chelsea vs. Wigan Athletic: Final score 4-1, Blues take their chances

A slow start and a couple of defensive lapses put the result in doubt for Chelsea on Saturday, but they were excellent in front of goal and took their chances well to record a comfortable 4-1 win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

The Latics were the better side in the opening minutes, but were carved up by a Chelsea counter-attack that turned the tide of the match in the first half. With Gary Caldwell still trying to shake off a knock, the Blues attacked quickly through the center after a change of possession, with David Luiz starting the move in the 23rd minute. He found Fernando Torres, who made a brilliant pass to Ramires before the Brazilian midfielder placed a confident finish over the hand of Ali Al-Habsi.

Eden Hazard doubled Chelsea's lead in the 56th minute, following a quick free kick. Gary Cahill caught Jean Beausejour off guard with his fast restart of play towards Cesar Azpilicueta, who cut back to Hazard for a simple finish. Wigan struck back just one minute later, however, with Shaun Maloney catching out Cahill on a counter before rounding Petr Cech and placing a wonderful finish into the back of the net.

Wigan looked like they might have an equalizer in them until Frank Lampard sealed three points for the hosts with an 87th minute strike. Hazard created the chance with a run down the left and a ball into Torres, who left it for Lampard to score his 198th career Chelsea goal. In stoppage time, substitute Marko Marin made it 4-1, punching in a diving header following an Al-Habsi wonder save on a shot by Azpilicueta. Al-Habsi had to make a tough stop on Torres to keep the score somewhat respectable after that, as Chelsea assaulted the Wigan goal late.