Chelsea move above faltering Liverpool to second place with 2-0 win as Benitez's men only manage a draw
Chelsea move above faltering Liverpoolu00a0 to second place with 2-0 win as Benitez's men only manage a draw
Liverpool's bid for a first English title since 1990 suffered a significant setback yesterday night as Rafael Benitez's side were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan.
A late penalty equaliser from Egyptian striker Mido earned Wigan a deserved point and enabled Chelsea, 2-0 winners over Middlesbrough thanks to Salomon Kalou's double, to reclaim second place from Liverpool, courtesy of their superior goal difference.
Both clubs however will be acutely aware that the title is now Manchester United's to lose with the champions, who thrashed West Brom 5-0 on Tuesday, two points clear of both their nearest rivals with a game in hand.
Yossi Benayoun put Liverpool ahead at Wigan four minutes before half-time. Wigan dominated after the break but Liverpool looked like they would hold out before Jason Koumas went down under an unnecessary challenge from Lucas Leiva.
Mido, signed on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season, stepped up and smashed the spot-kick past Jose Reina.
"We had control of the game and we didn't kill it," Benitez complained. "When you are top of the table you know that every single game is really important so when you lose two points you have to be disappointed."
