Chelsea captain John Terry came to his side's rescue again as his second half winner gave the Premiership champions' a 1-0 victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.
In almost a carbon copy of last weekend's victory over Middlesbrough the England defender popped up midway through the second half to head home Frank Lampard's corner and break down stubborn opponents.
Otherwise it was an ordinary game of few chances but it was sufficient to maintain Chelsea's 100 percent home league record and condemn Wigan to a fourth straight Premiership defeat.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho sprang a surprise with his team selection by handing a rare start to second choice goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini with regular number one Petr Cech relegated to the bench.
And the Italian was relieved early on as veteran midfielder Graham Kavanagh sent a long range volley which had him scampering across his goal only to see it drift just wide.
But at the other end England international Joe Cole ran from the half way line into the Wigan penalty box and brought a decent low save from Mike Pollitt before Josip Skoko hacked the rebound clear from the feet of Hernan Crespo.
Just before the half hour mark the leaders had a great shout for a penalty as Terry charged into the box and was clearly almost rugby tackled by Lee McCulloch but referee Howard Webb surprisingly waved away the appeals.
And moments later Chelsea came close again as Asier Del Horno's quickly taken free-kick gave Crespo a free header but Leighton Baines got back to make a brilliant clearance off the line and keep the scoreline blank.
Pollitt was again called into action as the first half drew to a close as he got down low to save Frank Lampard's impressive volley from the edge of the box.
Wigan would have been happy with their efforts in the first half while no doubt being aware that the champions have been far more productive in the second period so far this season.
Mourinho chose to make a change with Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba coming on to provide some support for Crespo with winger Damien Duff sacrificed.
And the 24 million pound forward almost made an immediate impact as he latched onto a clever pass from Michael Essien but blasted his effort straight at the legs of the Wigan goalkeeper.
Eidur Gudjohnsen also entered the frame from the bench as Mourinho tried to turn the screw and the inevitable opener finally arrived midway through the second half.
Frank Lampard's corner from the right hand side saw Terry rushing in and his diving header from point blank range was almost kept out by Pollitt but he could only help it into the corner.
Another long winding run from Cole almost saw Chelsea double their lead but the excellent Pollitt got down low to smother his effort.
Wigan's manager Paul Jewell threw on three attacking substitutes in a bid to avoid a fourth straight league defeat for his team but while they enjoyed good possession the Blues defence stood firm.
Terry nets winner for Chelsea
