Petr Cech still believes the Blues can win the title after last night's draw with Wigan, but understands that the season's outcome is now down to Manchester United.

The number 1, who played his first game since our 4-0 win away to West Ham at the beginning of March, sported two masks as he protected his head and chin.

But with a save from an Antione Sibierski effort keeping Chelsea in the lead until Emile Heskey's stoppage time strike, the time off did not seem to have affected the Czech international keeper, who feels last night's result has left the team feeling down.

'We are all disappointed because we conceded a late goal and lost two points,' said Cech.

'But I think we had a difficult first half and we didn't create many chances.

'We knew we needed to play much quicker and better in the second half and, until we conceded, from the beginning of the second half we passed the ball better, we passed the ball quicker and that's why we had some chances.

'Suddenly we did more in one-on-one situations and finally we broke their line and unfortunately for us we conceded a late goal, which is difficult to take but there is still points to play for and we need to keep fighting,' he explained.

Only eight days after undergoing facial surgery, Cech's return may have seemed hasty to some, but the 25-year-old would not have had it any other way.

'It was a bit of a risk to decide to play this game but I have been missing football for such a long time. So when I got the protection for my face I decided to ask the Doc if they would let me play.

'He was not completely happy about it but he respected my decision and it was good to be back on the pitch.

'I wanted to play, I wasn't forced to play and I had no fear before the game because I knew the wound was protected.

'I have had bad luck all season so I was hoping that nothing would go wrong this time.

'It was a little bit different for me to wear the mask but as I said in the end I was happy to be back on the pitch.

'The reaction from the fans was brilliant and when you come back after such a long time and you feel the people behind you it is a great boost,' he added.

With Manchester United now five points clear in first place, Chelsea's hopes of winning the title rest on our rival's performances. But Cech believes that, so long as we gain maximum points, we still have a chance in the league.

'First we need to concentrate on ourselves and win every game because our destiny is not in our hands, we need to wait to see if someone can beat Man United,' said Cech.

'They have four games to play and they have to come to the Bridge, so this is a must win game for us, but every game is a must win game, so we just need to make sure we keep winning.

'We are not happy with the fact that we lost two points. Now the title is closer to them but it is not over yet.

'The message from our dressing room is that it is not over and we still have games to go,' finished Cech.