Chelsea title hopes in tatters as Wigan's Heskey robs them of victory

Despite Avram Grant's refusal to concede the crown to Manchester United, a defeat for Chelsea at Everton on Thursday night would effectively mean their fight is over.

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Grant, who suffered disruption to his team half an hour before kickoff after Frank Lampard withdrew on hearing that his mum Pat had been rushed to hospital, insisted: 'We are still in it and we keep on fighting.

'The second half was perhaps our best performance — we created chances every four or five minutes — but their goalkeeper had an excellent night.

'We didn't have Lampard — he was not here due to personal reasons. We did not have Drogba, who has a swollen knee, but we created enough chances.'

It was a disappointing return for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, back in the starting lineup just nine days after needing 50 stitches to repair the damage to his lip and chin following a training ground accident involving team-mate Tal Ben Haim.

Grant conceded that Chelsea were 'very slow' in the first half, maybe because of the shock of Lampard's sudden pull-out.

Michael Essien handed them the lead in the 55th minute but an equaliser deep into added time courtesy of Heskey earned Wigan a richly deserved point.

Grant, already fuming at Sky TV's decision to bring their game with Everton forward 48 hours to Thursday, admitted his side must win at Goodison if they are to catch United, whom they now trail by five points.

'We have to beat Everton — if we don't it will be very difficult. Of course the players still believe,' said Grant.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce was delighted with the result — and at handing the advantage to his former side United.

He said: 'I hope one more win is going to be enough for our safety. I've got the makings of a really good team here.'