كتب : Filgoal Writer
The Chelsea captain connected with a corner-kick from Frank Lampard to head into the back of the net in the 67th minute, repeating their trademark play of the past season.
The hard-earned victory sent Chelsea 12 points clear at the top of the league on 43, and left newly-promoted Wigan seventh with 25 points.
Earlier, Fernando Morientes scored twice midway through the second-half as Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 2-0.
The Spanish striker broke the deadlock in the 71st minute from a long-range shot after being fed by a Luis Garcia cross. Just six minutes later, Morientes sealed the victory with a delicate volley.
Liverpool's win kept them in the hunt for the title as they come second with 31 points while Middlesbrough are placed 13th.
In Newcastle, A late strike gave Newcastle United a 1-0 victory over 10-man Arsenal.
Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano grabbed the winner in the 81st minute when he fired a low drive into the far angle of the net.
The FA Cup holders played almost 32 minutes with 10 men after Brazilian midfieder Gilberto has been handed the red card due to an aggressive challenge.
Arsenal's eighth defeat of the season put them in the sixth spot with 26 points.
In other matches, Birmingham beat Fulham 1-0, Blackburn Rovers downed West Ham United 3-2 and Bolton Wanderers tied Aston Villa 1-1.