Delightful Deco secures Chelsea win

Deco scored an outstanding third minute goal from a free-kick against Wigan at the JJB Stadium to take a Shevchenko-less Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese midfielder was marvellous throughout an otherwise hotly contested, albeit dull in parts, game.

Wigan will be disappointed that their tenacious efforts, both in attack and defence, could not materialise at least a point against Luiz Felipe Scolari's men, who were a poor imitation of the side that humbled Portsmouth 4-0 last weekend.

In fact, Steve Bruce looks to have assembled a team that should glide away from relegation troubles this term, with attackers Wilson Palacios, Amr Zaki and Antonio Valencia linking up succinctly on several occasions.

But it was Deco, who scored his second goal in as many games, who orchestrated the game-play, combing Chelsea's midfield with razor-sharp passing, bursts of pace, and of course, a magpie-like eye for goal.

Wigan, who spoiled the Blues' 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 time and again by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.

England left-back and man of the match Ashley Cole believes the "magic" of players like Deco can help leaders Chelsea depose the Premier League champions Manchester United.

He said: "Deco once again with a bit of magic. I think that's what's going to help us win the league this year".

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