Man Utd 1-0 Barcelona (agg 1-0)

A spectacular strike by Paul Scholes sent Manchester United into their first Champions League final for nine years on a night of Old Trafford tension.

Paul Scholes celebrates the goal that sent Man Utd into the final

Scholes rifled in a spectacular 25-yard effort after 14 minutes to beat Barcelona and set up an all-English clash with Chelsea or Liverpool.
Barcelona dominated possession for long periods, with Deco twice close and Thierry Henry wasting a late chance.
But United mounted a rearguard action to seal a date in Moscow on 21 May.
There was added poignancy and significance in the victory, coming 50 years after the Munich air crash.
And for Scholes, suspended for the 1999 final victory against Bayern Munich in Barcelona, it is a chance to make up for that bitter disappointment. United were dealt a double blow before kick-off when Wayne Rooney's hip injury ruled him out and Nemanja Vidic was sidelined by the concussion he sustained at Chelsea.
And United almost made a nightmare start when Scholes tripped Lionel Messi as he raced into the area - there was only inches in it and fortunately for the home side German referee Herbert Fandel got the big call right and gave a free-kick.
It took United time to settle, but Scholes eased their nerves with a thunderous strike to give them the lead in the 14th minute.
Gianluca Zambrotta's wayward clearance landed at Scholes' feet, and he delivered a trademark rising drive from 25 yards that flew high into the net beyond the outstretched hands of Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.
It was only the second goal Scholes has scored this season - but it was a fitting strike to send United to the final.
Messi was the real danger man for Barcelona, and he ended a slalom run with a left-foot shot that was turned away by United keeper Edwin van der Sar. United had chances of their own, with Ji-Sung Park side-footing just wide, but Barcelona regained their composure to enjoy a period of superiority, with Deco twice narrowly off target.
Nani, preferred to Ryan Giggs, wasted a chance to grab the priceless second goal three minutes before the interval when he glanced Park's cross wide from eight yards.
Barcelona began the second half with a spell of possession, but it was United who carved out a clear opportunity as Valdes blocked Tevez's close-range drive after 56 minutes.
The Catalans made a change on the hour, sending on former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for Andres Iniesta. Barcelona, inspired by the brilliant Messi, had United penned back, but they were resisted by defensive discipline and resilience of the highest class from a side normally noted for their attacking verve.
United attempted to stem the tide with 13 minutes left by making a double change, with Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher replacing Nani and Scholes.
Henry almost returned to haunt United with a point-blank header from Xavi's corner which was gratefully clutched by Van der Sar.
Barcelona weaved pretty patterns in the closing stages, but United's defence - superbly marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown - stood firm to spark wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.

Ferguson wants glory for Man Utd

Ferguson wants Man Utd to go for glory against Barcelona

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his Manchester United side to write a new chapter in the club's rich history.
United face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday in the Nou Camp - where they last won the trophy in 1999.
Ferguson said: "They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I don't think it's lost on any of them.
"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that."
He added: "It is almost 10 years since we won the final. The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.
"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo says the quality of the modern-day side can only be gauged at the end of the season.
United are attempting a Premier League and Champions League double, with boss Ferguson claiming his squad is the best he has had at his disposal.
"I also think that this is the most talented team," said winger Ronaldo, 23. "But you can only confirm this at the end of the season, by what was won."
Ronaldo has been in inspirational form for United this season, scoring 38 goals during the campaign.
On the way, he has overtaken George Best's record of 32 goals in a season by a winger at the club, which was set in 1968. United, who are being pushed by Chelsea in the battle for England's top-flight crown, achieved the Treble in 1999 but Ronaldo has played down making any comparisons with Red Devils teams of yesteryear for the time being.
"There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path," added Ronaldo.
"Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
"If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea."

Everton complete £2m Pienaar deal

Everton have completed a £2m permanent transfer for on-loan midfield man Steven Pienaar.
The 26-year-old South African international has agreed a three-year contract after a successful season at Goodison Park.

Pienaar always hoped to remain in the Premier League

Pienaar had earlier expressed fears that the deal had stalled, but Everton boss David Moyes was always confident a deal was in place.
Moyes said: "Steven is one of the reasons our football has improved." He had been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and Valencia but insisted he was happy to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
Pienaar, a product of the South African arm of Ajax's youth academy, has played 35 games this season scoring twice so far.

Ronaldinho move to Milan in doubt

Ronaldinho's season has been ended by injury

Ronaldinho's move to AC Milan could be in jeopardy as the Italian club have failed to agree a transfer fee with Barcelona during preliminary talks.
The 28-year-old Brazilian playmaker, who has been linked to Manchester City, has agreed personal terms with Milan.
However, the European champions' chief executive Adriano Galliani told Sky Italia: "We had a conference call. The figures haven't fallen into place.
"Maybe Ronaldinho won't come and a main striker arrives."
Former world player of the year Ronaldinho has had a difficult season at the Nou Camp.
He has been dogged by injury and fitness problems, starting only 13 of Barcelona's 30 league games, and earlier this month a leg injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Milan need to boost their attacking options as Brazil striker Ronaldo is sidelined for a lengthy period with a knee injury, while 34-year-old Filippo Inzaghi is in the twilight of his career.
However, they face competition for Ronaldinho's signature as city rivals and Serie A leaders Inter Milan are also reported to be interested in the former Paris St Germain player.
Galliani said he did not believe Ronaldinho would be deterred by the prospect of playing in the Uefa Cup next season. AC Milan are currently fifth in Serie A, outside a Champions League place. "Ronaldinho went to Barcelona when they were in the Uefa Cup. It happens to all the great European clubs, I hope it doesn't happen to Milan," added Galliani.
"Anyway, Ronaldinho is a Barcelona player, not a Milan player."

Judge us on silverware - Ronaldo

Ronaldo has 38 goals so far this season

Cristiano Ronaldo says the quality of the Manchester United side can only be gauged at the end of the season.
United are attempting a Premier League and Champions League double, with boss Sir Alex Ferguson claiming his squad is the best he has had at his disposal.
"I also think that this is the most talented team," said winger Ronaldo, 23, whose side face Barcelona in their Champions semi-final on Wednesday.
"But you can only confirm this at the end of the season, by what was won."
Ronaldo has been in inspirational form for United this season, scoring 38 goals during the campaign.
On the way, he has overtaken George Best's record of 32 goals in a season by a winger at the club, which was set in 1968. United, who are being pushed by Chelsea in the battle for England's top-flight crown, achieved the Treble in 1999 but Ronaldo has played down making any comparisons with Red Devils teams of yesteryear for the time being.
"There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path," added Ronaldo.
"Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
"If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea."

Players are backing Grant - Terry

Skipper John Terry insists Chelsea's players are 100% behind manager Avram Grant as they prepare for a crucial few days that will define their season.
The Blues play Liverpool on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Anfield, before a Premier League showdown with Manchester United.
Terry claimed reports of player unrest at the club were wide of the mark.
"These suggestions are laughable - we speak openly and things are sorted out there and then," he said.
"We are totally behind the manager. There are no people walking out the door and talking behind each other's backs.
"It is bizarre because since Avram took over, one thing we've done is that if any players are unhappy or have a problem, we get together and speak our minds." Despite his team reaching the Champions League final four and lying a close second in the Premier League behind Man Utd, Grant remains unpopular with sections of Chelsea's support.
But if he can guide Chelsea to triumph at the third time of asking in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, the Israeli may yet win those fans over.
Terry pledged Chelsea will go to Anfield looking to attack.
"We are coming here to win the game, not to shut up shop - we want to score goals and put the pressure right on Liverpool.
"It's going to be tough for us, but the away goals we can possibly take back to the Bridge will help us in the long run.
"We have shown great character and togetherness. We have got the players to go on and win the game and progress to the next stage. "We have lost to Liverpool on the two previous occasions and that burning feeling is something that will never go away, but one thing that will ease it is to go on and reach the final and lift the trophy.
"That trophy is something I want to get my hands on as Chelsea captain and for the club to go down in history."
Terry admitted: "We've had our ups and downs over the course of the season.
"But we have proved that whatever team is on the pitch, we have enough strength, character and big players to go on and win."
Grant is refusing to dwell on Chelsea's past Champions League defeats against Liverpool.
"We can make history and we will concentrate on this and not about anything else," he said.
"We lost here twice but that is history, and now we can create it. That is what is important.
"We have come a long way since we drew against Rosenborg and now we can create history - and this makes me excited."
Chelsea have also been boosted by the news that Frank Lampard will return to the squad. The 29-year-old has missed his side's last game to be with his mother who is suffering from pneumonia, and Grant was full of praise for the England midfielder.

Grant has Lampard (left) available to play against Liverpool

"I respect very much Frank and what he is doing for the club," said Grant.
"It is not an easy situation. He has given everything for the club and trained by himself.
"I gave him all the freedom to do as he wanted. Sometimes there are more important things than football, but he is available to play."

Football players robbed of £2,500

Police are investigating if the dressing room doors were unlocked

Footballers have had £2,500 in cash stolen from their dressing rooms during a Southampton Football Club home game.
Police were called to St Mary's Stadium shortly after the end of the match against Burnley on Saturday.
Five home and nine away players had cash stolen from their belongings in the changing rooms during the second half of the Championship match.
Hampshire Constabulary said it was investigating whether the doors were unlocked and was studying CCTV footage.
A Southampton Football Club spokesman said: "We can confirm there was an incident which we are investigating but we cannot comment further until we have more details."
Club officials, security staff and stewards were helping police with their inquires.
Police said there did not appear to be any witnesses to the thefts, which took place sometime after the second half started at 1600 BST.

Lampard and Gerrard in Euro boost

Lampard and Gerrard are set to face each other in Tuesday's game

England midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard will be available for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Lampard missed two Chelsea games last week to be at the hospital bedside of his mother, who has pneumonia.
But his agent Steve Kutner said in a statement: "Although still very ill, her condition has now stabilised."
Gerrard has been passed fit for Liverpool after training on Monday following his neck injury. The Reds skipper missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Fulham because of the problem but is now set to start at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez confirmed Gerrard's fitness at a news conference on Monday.
The Spaniard also made light of rumours that Chelsea could be set to bid for Gerrard for a third time at the end of this season.
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has described him as "the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team". Benitez said: "We have enough experience to know that if anyone asks me or Avram about a good player, we will say they're a good player.
"If I was asked about (Didier) Drogba or (Frank) Lampard, I would say that they're a very good player.
"When we played against Inter Milan (in the last 16), people were saying that Inter wanted Gerrard, and hopefully it will be the same in the final against Barcelona or Manchester United.
"Stevie is a fantastic player and he's 100% focused on his career with Liverpool. "He's fit for the game. Maybe after he's scored the winning goal in the semi-final, maybe he will be worth more."
Lampard is likely to be in the starting XI for the Blues after missing the Premier League matches against Wigan and Everton.
His return is a boost for Grant, with German international midfielder Michael Ballack doubtful because of a hamstring problem.

Everton 0-1 Chelsea

Essien (right) pulled the strings in the Chelsea midfield

Chelsea closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to two points with this resilient display against Everton at Goodison Park.
Michael Essien hit the winner after 41 minutes, clipping a close-range effort over Tim Howard after exchanging passes with Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Everton were industrious but lacked the quality to unlock the resolute Blues.
Manuel Fernandes went close with a curling free-kick as the hosts pressed for an equaliser, but Chelsea held on.
It may have been a nervy finish for the Blues but they were good value for the three points and Avram Grant's side are back in the hunt for the league title.
The Israeli's position at Stamford Bridge had come under scrutiny after Monday's draw with Wigan, but his players were focused and determined enough not to let another lead slip at Goodison Park.
The result also leaves Everton's Champions League qualification hopes in tatters with them trailing neighbours Liverpool by five points with three games to play. The superb Ricardo Carvalho typified Chelsea's defensive efforts - regularly shutting out Andy Johnson and strike partner Yakubu.
Everton's only chance of the first period came when Fernandes' dipping free-kick forced Cech into an uncomfortable parry behind.
Chelsea bossed possession in non-threatening areas but looked toothless for large periods with the absence of Didier Drogba highlighting the Blues' finishing deficiencies.
And their delivery to the misfiring Nicolas Anelka, particularly from wide areas, was desperately poor.
When the Frenchman did get a sight of goal, he dragged his shot well wide of Howard's left post.
Everton were forced to defend for long periods but were able to create moments of creativity going forward, with Joleon Lescott providing a useful outlet down the left flank. But it was Chelsea who produced the first move of quality, coupled with a huge slice of fortune, and it enabled Essien to claim his second goal in four days.
The Ghanaian looked to play a neat exchange with Wright-Phillips before a wicked deflection off Phil Jagielka helped the ball into the on-rushing Essien's path.
Howard advanced but Essien kept his composure and slotted over the keeper from close in.
A fizzing, long-range drive from Jon Obi Mikel almost gave the visitors an undeserved second soon after, but Howard was alert to tip over.

Carvalho (left) was immense for his skipper Terry

Chelsea failed to build on their lead after the break with Everton bossing possession without seriously threatening Petr Cech's goal.
Fernandes produced a stunning free-kick that whistled inches past the post, and the Portuguese also enjoyed flashing drives from distance.
But for all the Toffees' purpose, the key pass failed to materialise and their Champions League qualification hopes have all but come to an end.

Redknapp taking police to court

Harry Redknapp has led Portsmouth to this year's FA Cup final

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is taking the police to court over his arrest during an inquiry into alleged football corruption.
Mr Redknapp, along with his wife Sandra, has lodged a legal action at the Administrative Court of the High Courts of Justice in London.
They want a judicial review into a raid at their home in Sandbanks, Dorset.
Mr Redknapp, who denies any wrongdoing, was arrested last November by City of London Police.
A spokesman for the court confirmed that an action had been received and a first hearing will be held on 2 May.
A City of London Police press officer said the force would not comment.
Following his release on bail, Redknapp held a press conference in which he spoke of his "bitter disappointment" at the way the raid and his arrest had been handled.
He complained that the police arrived at his home at 0600 accompanied by press photographers.
Mr Redknapp was not available for comment today.
Nine people are on bail in connection with the continuing inquiry.

Strachan proud of Celtic spirit

Manager Gordon Strachan was delighted to see Celtic stay in the title race after Jan Vennegoor
of Hesselink's injury-time winner.

Strachan was happy to see his side snatch a last-gasp winner

"It keeps it ticking along nicely," Strachan told BBC Sport after a thrilling 2-1 victory at Celtic Park.
"We showed tremendous spirit to come back and keep creating chances after missing the penalty."
Celtic are a point behind the Scottish Premier League leaders but have played two games more than their rivals.
A brawl broke out on the pitch on the final whistle but Strachan said: "I've not got a clue what happened.
"For me to comment on something I don't know anything about would be like me talking about politics. I never saw anything there."
Asked if the referee requested to talk to any Hoops stars, Strachan added: "I think he wanted to speak to one or two players after the game. I think he spoke to one or two players."
It later transpired that Celtic's Gary Caldwell and David Weir of Rangers were shown red cards after the match, which followed the 70th-minute dismissal of the visitors' defender Carlos Cuellar for handling a net-bound Shunsuke Nakamura shot.
"I think the Old Firm games have gone back to a 1980s style," stated Strachan.
"When I first came here it was a footballing Old Firm but it's more intense now.
"Atmosphere-wise it's good, as long as the players maintain discipline." Nakamura fired Celtic in front as the home side dominated the first half.
Nacho Novo equalised after the break and Celtic missed a great chance when Scott McDonald's penalty, which followed Cuellar's handball, was saved by Allan McGregor. However, Celtic found a winner in the 93rd minute when Vennegoor of Hesselink headed home from inside the six-yard box.
"We were in control in the first half and I felt we were worthy of our lead, although I would have preferred two or three," said Strachan.
"I knew one wouldn't be enough because Rangers would react - and they did."

Nevin tips Rijkaard for Chelsea

Rijkaard's Barcelona face Manchester United in the Champions League

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will be the new Blues boss next season.
Present manager Avram Grant has come under increasing pressure following Monday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.
Nevin told BBC Sport: "I'm speaking as someone who just wants the best for the club. I don't have the ear of chairman Bruce Buck or owner Roman Abramovich.
"But I would not be devastated or all that surprised if Frank Rijkaard turns up as the Chelsea manager next year."
Rijkaard is himself under pressure at Barcelona, despite leading the club to the Champions League semi-finals this season - where they are joined by Chelsea. Nevin believes that former Stamford Bridge striker Gianfranco Zola would be another leading contender - if Grant leaves at the end of the season.
And the Scot has a suspicion that long-serving assistant manager Steve Clarke is likely to leave Stamford Bridge if Grant remains at the London club.
"Zola is still great friends with Stevie Clarke and I would hope that Stevie would still be down there," said Nevin on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"If Avram Grant stays, I don't think that will be the case. If Avram Grant goes, you never know."
Nevin revealed that he had been swamped with angry emails from Chelsea fans following Wigan's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
"I write for the Chelsea website every Tuesday and usually ask a little question at the end," he added.
"Usually, I get a couple of hundred emails per week. But, oh dear, my emails went into meltdown because the only way you can contact the club is through my email address.
"I've got over 1000 emails sitting there and they are not answers to the question."
Nevin said that many fans were furious and had given up on Grant.
"Most seem to think he has a problem and that is the important games, yet those games have come against lesser clubs," stated Nevin.
"They lost a cup final to Spurs when Chelsea basically did not turn up and they lost to Barnsley when the FA Cup was wide open for them.
"Then, of course, they lost a late equaliser to a Wigan side that were waiting to get hammered.
"He had left out Drogba and left out Ricardo Carvalho, which was an amazing decision.
"And, most important of all, he left out Joe Cole for the first half and played Florent Malouda, who was absolutely hopeless."
Nevin pointed out that there had been positives to Grant's reign.
"He has only lost three games all season in the league and could still win the Champions League," he added.
"And can you sack a manager who has just won the Champions League?"

Rooney can be England captain

England coach Fabio Capello has earmarked Wayne Rooney as a future England captain but believes the striker needs more time to mature.

Capello (left) says Rooney has the right qualities to be captain.

"Wayne Rooney is young but I believe in the future he could be captain of England one day," said the Italian.
"He is a leader, he is a good example on the pitch. We need to give him a bit more time to get some more experience and mature a bit.
"The good thing is he has got a big margin of improvement ahead of him."
Capello will continue to rotate the captain's armband before naming a permanent leader ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next season, which has led to Rooney, 22, being linked with the role. England will next play the United States in a friendly next month but the Italian would not reveal who would lead out the side at Wembley.
"I am undecided who will be captain for the next game," said Capello. "But I do believe Rooney could one day be captain.
"He is the most talented young English player. He is very good at everything. The one thing he can improve is the number of chances he puts away.
"He doesn't convert as many as he could but I am sure that will come in the future."
Rooney has captained Manchester United but he is known to have a combustible temperament and has a mixed disciplinary record with both club and country.
He was sent off for England in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in 2006, a match England went on to lose on penalties.
In 2004 a teenaged Rooney was substituted at half-time against Spain as it was feared the frustrated striker would sooner or later be sent off. A year later Rooney was criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson after he was dismissed in a Champions League match against Villarreal for mocking referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Meanwhile, Capello, speaking during a trip to Lesotho to promote the Football Association's involvement in developing the game at grassroots level in Africa, denied there was a rift between himself and Michael Owen.
The Newcastle United striker had reportedly said he was confused by Capello's tactics during the friendly defeat to France.
But Capello said: "First of all, Michael Owen has denied making those comments to begin with and I have absolutely no problem with him. There is no problem between him and me as far as I am concerned.
"My relationship with Michael Owen is the same as with all the players. A good manager should have that equal relationship whether it is with Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand or anyone else.
"I have a group of players and Michael Owen is part of my plans."

Inter join chase for Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho has struggled with fitness and form all season

Inter Milan are considering trying to hijack AC Milan's pursuit of Barcelona and Brazil forward Ronaldinho.
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani and Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis have said initial terms have been agreed.
But Inter president Massimo Moratti says his club could join the hunt.
"We will assess the possibility next week," Moratti told Italian television. "We have good relations with Barcelona and Ronaldinho's agent. We will see."
De Assis has said AC Milan is the only club he has spoken to but Moratti does not think that means the deal is done.
"It depends a bit on our decision," he said. "It is a deal that Milan is conducting well and it is like the transfer market is open. Therefore it is open for us, too."
Inter are likely to lose Luis Figo to retirement at the end of the season and another creative player is on their wishlist.
The two clubs clashed last year when Milan tried to sign striker David Suazo from Cagliari at the last minute after he had already held talks with Inter. The Honduran chose Inter.
Ronaldinho, 28, has had a difficult few months at the Nou Camp because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted.
The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season, unless he buys himself out of his contract.

Chelsea 1-1 Wigan

Wigan's late equaliser left Chelsea's players and supporters stunned
Emile Heskey struck with an injury-time volley to earn a point for Wigan and leave Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League hanging by a thread.
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made fine saves from Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou while John Terry hit the bar.
Chelsea eventually took the lead when Michael Essien struck from 20 yards.
But Heskey converted Jason Koumas's teasing cross to leave Chelsea five points behind leaders United with four games left to play. Heskey's goal is a hammer blow for Chelsea and a severe punishment for their failure to kill off the game after taking the lead with 54 minutes played.
The warning signs had been there when when Latics substitute Antoine Sibierski forced a decent save from Petr Cech minutes before Heskey scored.
And once the final whistle sounded a chorus of boos rang out across Stamford Bridge as manager Avram Grant made his way down the tunnel.
But the draw is a superb result for visiting team Wigan, who are now six points clear of the relegation zone. The Latics refused to give in and boss Steve Bruce was visibly delighted at the end, but in truth it was a far from inspired Chelsea performance.
Chelsea boss Grant, doubtless with Thursday's match against Everton in mind, opted to rest Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, while Frank Lampard withdrew for personal reasons shortly before kick-off.
The changes presented Anelka with a rare opportunity to lead the line and he should have scored after five minutes but headed wide from six yards. The France international appeared to have put his team in front later in the half with a looping header but was denied by Kirkland's brilliantly athletic save.
Paul Scharner then headed towards his own goal under pressure and it required Josip Skoko's goal-line clearance to ensure the Latics remained on level terms.
But these were all-too-rare chances in a rather humdrum opening half, played out in front of a crowd that seemed underwhelmed by events on the pitch.
And Wigan, who appeared comfortable for the most of the opening 45 minutes, were not without opportunities of their own.
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Chelsea scorer Essien started after Frank Lampard fell ill
Scharner had a shot blocked while Cech, playing with a special chin strap to protect the 50 stitches he had in a facial wound last week, made a smart save at his near post to deny Antonio Valencia.
Cole replaced the ineffectual Florent Malouda at the break and his arrival coincided with a much a greater sense of urgency from the home team.
Terry crashed a volley against the crossbar from a corner and Kirkland brilliantly smothered a Kalou shot before Essien finally found the net after 55 minutes.
Anelka slipped but regained his footing to lay the ball off to Essien, whose 20-yard strike took a slight deflection off Emmerson Boyce on its way to goal.
All three chances fell within the space of 60 seconds - and from the moment Essien struck the home team seemed firmly in control.
Kirkland saved a header from Alex, Michael Ballack drilled a free-kick over the bar and Joe Cole narrowly missed as Chelsea looked for a decisive second goal.
But the late chances fell to Wigan, with substitute Sibierski's miss followed by Heskey's equaliser.