The win left Chelsea seven points behind United, who also have a game in hand on the Blues, but Hiddink is refusing to give up on their title dreams just yet.

The Dutchman has now guided Chelsea to three straight wins since he agreed to become caretaker coach until the end of the season.

John Terry had put the Blues in control with a 24th minute opener but Olivier Kapo equalised with nine minutes remaining.

However Lampard headed a last-gasp winner and although it remains a long shot, Hiddink is refusing to give-up on the Premier crown.

"I am realistic and we have to win our games first," said Hiddink. "Hopefully they will be a little bit more comfortable than today.

"Man Utd are in a good seat but as long as we have a possibility and it is not decided, we will fight and that is what the team showed at Villa last week and again against Wigan.

"As long as the team is keeping up this fighting spirit, we keep on going for the things that can be reached."

Hiddink gave much credit to a spirited Wigan side that forced Chelsea into two goal-line clearances before Terry struck but he also paid tribute to his team's fighting qualities.

"The team reacted well after we conceded," added Hiddink. "It is always difficult to get into the next game after playing at European level in midweek.

"But Wigan deserve a lot of respect for the way they played. they are hard-working and disciplined and play decent football. They caused us lots of problems.

"They scored the equaliser but the reaction of our team was good in getting the winner in the 90th minute.

"When you are dominating in the first period we like the game killed. But I am happy and satisfied for the win.

"But the way we gave away the control in the second-half is not super-satisfying. I have to be happy but also critical as to where we need to improve."

Wigan boss Steve Bruce claims referee Lee Probert failed to spot a push by Lampard on Mario Melchiot before he headed the winner, but Hiddink was non-plussed.

"There was a lot of pushing in both boxes," said Hiddink. "There was a challenge in the box but there was not a lot of contact between Frank and Mario Melchiot.

"But a couple of seconds before you could say that Michael Ballack was pushed in the area before heading the ball to Frank. But we don't dispute either of these situations.

"I am satisfied with the attitude of the whole team. The leading guys from this house not just Frank and John but also the guys who have been here for two or three years, stood up and reacted. That was good to see."

Meanwhile Bruce was adamant that referee Probert had cost them the chance of their fourth successive draw.

"I thought we deserved something but we didn't get it unfortunately," said Bruce.

"In my opinion the referee has made a poor decision. He is only 15 yards away from it. Frank has obviously got his hand in Mario's back and he has turned him round as he's gone to head it.

"It is obvious that he has got that one wrong and it has gone against us. That is a big shame because I thought the team deserved to get something from the game.

"We don't seem to get these decisions in big games, on a big stage.

"We need the referee to be strong and not to get influenced. But it seems to happen all the time. We can go to Anfield and Stamford Bridge and it doesn't seem to matter against little Wigan. It is very frustrating and disappointing as you can imagine."