Juan Mata: Chelsea can catch Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea match-winner Juan Mata believes that his side can still qualify for the Champions League next season.

The 23-year-old playmaker was on target in stoppage time during the 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic, deflecting the ball past Ali Al-Habsi with his knee after Fernando Torres had struck the post.

After Tottenham Hotspur had dropped two points with a goalless draw at Sunderland earlier in the day, the Blues are now only three points behind their London rivals, who occupy third place in the Premier League table.

When asked if Chelsea could catch Spurs, Mata said: "I think so. As I said about [Chelsea's chances of beating] Barcelona, nothing is impossible in football.

"Today Tottenham are closer than they were one week ago so we are going to fight until the end of the season."

Chelsea have finished above Spurs in every Premier League season since 1996.