Chelsea grabbed a 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic thanks to an offside goal by Branislav Ivanovic and a last-gasp Juan Mata winner on Saturday to boost their push for a top four finish in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur climbed to third spot with a 0-0 draw at Sunderland but Arsenal can move back above them with a point at home to second-placed Manchester City on Sunday when leaders Manchester United, five points clear on 76, host Queens Park Rangers.
Chelsea went ahead through Ivanovic's controversial strike, only for Mohamed Diame to deservedly level for the visitors but Juan Mata secured victory as the fifth-placed hosts went three points behind Spurs and Wigan were left second from bottom. It was desperately unfortunate for Wigan, who had matched their more illustrious opponents for much of the game and surrounded the officials when recently prolific defender Ivanovic netted after 62 minutes when he was metres offside.
Beleaguered Liverpool salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with strugglers Aston Villa having been behind to Chris Herd's 10th minute goal after a mistake by stand-in goalkeeper Doni.
Third-bottom Blackburn Rovers lost 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion to confirm their mini-revival is well and truly over and Bolton Wanderers are just a point clear of the danger zone following a 3-0 home defeat by Fulham.
Mid-table Norwich City enjoyed an entertaining 2-2 home draw with Everton while basement side Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Stoke City in the late game.
