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Heskey: equaliser

Wigan have got Reading then Aston Villa and then Man United at the JJB on the last game - they'll be hoping that they don't need that to stay up.

Phil Thompson
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Wigan 1-1 Spurs - full report

Wigan 1-1 Tottenham
Soccer Saturday analysis

Phil Thompson watched Wigan edge closer to Premier League survival with their second draw of the week.

Fresh from stunning Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Steve Bruce's side came back from a goal down to hold Spurs and remain five clear of the drop zone.

And says Thompson, one more point should guarantee Premier League football is being played on the JJB's rotten pitch next season.

"I always thought 37 points would be enough to keep a team up," he told Soccer Saturday.

"And with all the teams playing one another at the bottom, that could still be the case, so Wigan are inching over the line.

"I think 1-1 was a decent scoreline and both teams deserved it. Wigan are needing it and they are getting there all the time.

"They've got Reading then Aston Villa and then Man United at the JJB on the last game - they'll be hoping that they don't need that to stay up!

"Emile Heskey came off and Marcus Bent came off and they'll be relying upon those two at the moment, so hopefully they will be fit for the remaining games."

The first of those games is against Reading next week.

The Royals' 2-0 defeat at Arsenal left them hovering above the trap door in 17th place and says Thompson, sets up an almighty battle back at the JJB next week.

"I think during the week Steve Bruce will work very, very hard," he said. "He will see this as if they get the three points, they can get the beach towels out.

"It will be so important. He'll have them psyched up and if they want to remain in the Premier League that is the game they have got to identify now and say 'we get the three points'."