Chelsea failed to take advantage of numerous chances during the opening 45 minutes of their home fixture against Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The home side's first chance fell to centre-back Gary Cahill in the 20th minute, but his effort from long range was palmed wide by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Didier Drogba was next to be denied by Al-Habsi, who got down to his right to hold the Ivorian's strike.

Chelsea's best chance was created in the 36th minute courtesy of a move between Juan Mata and Drogba. The pair exchanged passes before Mata was denied by Al Habsi and Drogba's tame rebound header was cleared to safety.

With the whistle fast approaching, Al-Habsi tipped another headed effort from Drogba off target.

Victory for Chelsea will lift them up to fifth.