Chelsea wins to stay top of the table

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea maintained their 100 percent start to the season when a stunning free kick from new signing Deco was enough to give them a 1-0 Premier League win at Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Deco, who also scored on his league debut in last week's 4-0 win over Portsmouth, struck with a beautifully executed free kick in the fourth minute after Wigan's Lee Cattermole handled the ball just outside the penalty area.

The win took Chelsea, who were far from their best, to the top of the table with six points, the same as Liverpool who have also won their opening two games although Chelsea have a better goal difference.

Champions Manchester United, who opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last week, play Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday (8 p.m.).

IMPORTANT RESULT

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari told Setanta Sports: "The result was far more important than the performance today.

"Wigan have a very good squad, good organisation and are very athletic but my players fought hard and you must come to places like Wigan and win if you want to be involved in the title race."

Wigan, who spoiled Chelsea's hopes of winning the title last season with a late equaliser to force a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in April, continually pressed for an equaliser but were thwarted by some good saves from Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.