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| Juan Mata of Chelsea (R) scores the winning goal against Wigan. |
Juan Mata's last-minute winner saw Chelsea strengthen their bid for Champions League football next season, as they beat Wigan 2-1 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Victory saw Chelsea, who could qualify for the Champions League as of right by winning this season's edition -- they face champions Barcelona in the semi-finals -- move above Newcastle and left them just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
Only the top three teams in the Premier League are guaranteed places in the Champions League proper, with the fourth-placed side set for a qualifying round.
Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic volleyed home in the 62nd minute and the goal stood despite furious Wigan protests he was offside.
But Wigan, who remained in the bottom three, equalised when Mohamed Diame struck eight minutes from time.
However, Chelsea grabbed a late winner when, after Fernando Torres's volley hit the post, the ball struck Mata on the chest and trickled in.
Furious Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said: "The linesman had a disgusting performance. Today, my players were robbed and they now have a disgusting feeling they don't deserve."
Interim Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo sympathised with Martinez, saying: "I think they (Wigan) were unlucky.
"But the result shows we have great spirit. The result keeps us alive and puts the pressure on those who are above us."
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