English Premier League Wednesday: Arsenal Stumbles, Chelsea Ends Swoon

None of the three favorites looked good on Wednesday, with two bottom feeders able to take points from traditional powers. The one titan that survived unscathed was Chelsea, who got their first league win since November 11. It wasn't easy, though. Some could argue that, on the balance of play, Bolton were the better side, but the Blues got the result they desperately needed, if controversially so:

Chelsea 1-0 Bolton: Florent Malouda slotted home the cross from Didier Drogba, but the crucial part of the play happened moments before. Michael Essien, banging through the midfield as was his second half want, drew defenders to him before playing a ball behind the line for Drogba. Replays seemed to indicate the Ivorian was offside, but television camera angles being what they are, we can't know for sure. Bolton's defenders seemed pretty sure about it though, noticeably pulling up, allowing Drogba to have all the time he wanted to find Malouda at the far post. Chelsea had looked strong in the moments before the goal, but most people awaiting the champions' downfall are going to focus on the perceived missed call.

Wigan 2-2 Arsenal: The Gunner probably played better than Chelsea, but they get two fewer points and miss their chance to pull even with Manchesters United and City. They only have themselves to blame. Wigan played well and applied good pressure throughout, but as Arsenal's second goal illustrated, the Latics defense was poor - there to be had. Arsene Wenger could have taken advantage of that by bringing their big guns off the bench early. Instead, a team that saw eight changes was only augmented by Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott in a waning moments, effectively giving the Latics a chance to steal a draw. Chance taken.

Liverpool 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Absolutely spectacular! With Wolves coming off a loss to Wigan, few gave them a chance in this game, especially with Liverpool getting Steven Gerrard back. But when Stephen Ward rolled home the match's only goal in the 56th minute, Liverpool proved what we should have known by now: They can lose to anybody at anytime. Blackpool? Wolves? Northampton? Doesn't matter! If you have a kit and a car and can get to Anfield, you too can beat the Reds. While I don't want to minimize Wolves' accomplishment, one that pushes them within two points of safety, this is too much: Liverpool just lost 1-0, at home, to the league's bottom club. Yikes.