Mata Saves Blues: Injury Time Goal Gives Chelsea 2-1 Win over Wigan [PHOTOS]

Chelsea, who were without the likes of Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry, registered a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic after grabbing a last minute winner in this must-win game.

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo earlier said the Blues' season would only be successful if they won a trophy (the FA Cup remains their only realistic title triumph this season) and finished in the top four of the Premier League, so as to ensure Champions League football next season. His boys certainly seem to be heading in the right direction, no matter what.

The match started off rather slowly, with both sides clearly showing a lack of momentum. Chelsea still appeared hung over from their Champions League victory over Benfica. Still, the hosts did create a number of chances, which they failed to capitalise on, in the first 45 minutes.

Wigan also did manage a couple of attempts (which were easily blocked by Cech) through winger Victor Moses.

The visitors missed a golden opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half, when defender Emerson Boyce put a header wide off an excellent Jean Beausejour cross.

The match, which looked very much in the balance, opened up in the 62th minute via a very controversial goal by Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic. Ivanovic was clearly offside when he struck the bottom left corner of the post through a Raul Meireles cross. In spite of several protests by the visitors, assistant referee Dave Bryan and referee Mike Jones still awarded the goal to the lucky Blues.

Moments later, Chelsea also missed a very good chance to double their lead, when Juan Mata, off an excellent Drogba assist, blasted the ball over the cross bar.

However, now, the frustrated Wigan side, who received two bookings as a result of those frustrations, struck back. The visitors took advantage of Terry's absence and started putting pressure on the Blues' defence. The host finally cracked in the 82th minute of the match, when Senegalese defensive midfielder Mohamed Diame, from outside the box, struck a powerful shot past past Cech, off a Ben Watson assist.

Finally, just as the game looked to be heading towards a draw, Spanish winger Juan Mata stole a late winner for Chelsea, in the 93rd minute, via a brilliant strike from the left side of the six yard box.

Check out these photos capturing the best moments of the match: