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September 28, 2009

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Wigan ends perfect start by Blues, United goes top

CHELSEA'S perfect start to the season under new manager Carlo Ancelotti came to a surprise end on Saturday when the Premier League leader lost 1-3 at Wigan Athletic and had goalkeeper Petr Cech sent off.

Titus Bramble headed Wigan in front before Didier Drogba equalized at the start of the second half. Cech was then shown a red card for bringing down Hugo Rodallega and the Colombian fired his penalty past substitute keeper Hilario.

Paul Scharner scored Wigan's third goal in stoppage time.

Chelsea, which had won its first six league games, slipped below Manchester United on goal difference after the champion won a 2-0 at Stoke City.

United and Chelsea have 18 points from seven matches.

There were big wins for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur who occupy third and fourth spots, three points behind the leaders. Fernando Torres hit a hat-trick for Liverpool in a 6-1 thrashing of Hull City and Robbie Keane went one better for Spurs, scoring four in a 5-0 hammering of Burnley.

Arsenal moved into fifth place after Robin van Persie's goal earned a 1-0 win at London rival Fulham.

Portsmouth's misery continued with a 0-1 home defeat by Everton which means Pompey have lost all seven league games this season, the worst start in the top flight for 79 years. Aston Villa lost 1-2 at Blackburn Rovers to end a four-match winning streak in the league and Bolton Wanderers beat Birmingham City 2-1.

Wigan's first victory over Chelsea in the Premier League was a landmark day for new manager Roberto Martinez whose side moved into mid-table.

"We showed a great attitude and great determination to win the game and we fully deserved it," Martinez told Sky Sports.

"The intensity and concentration was fantastic," added the Spaniard who had seen his side suffer heavy defeats to United and Arsenal this season.

Chelsea, which last tasted defeat in March, could have few complaints at the outcome and there was further cause for concern for Ancelotti when left back Ashley Cole was carried off near the end.





 

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