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WIGAN raised the white flag in spectacular style during Sunday’s 8-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

The most pointless team in top-flight history knew they stood a chance of spoiling Chelsea’s championship party if they could get some kind of result.

But those very slim expectations were well and truly dashed as early as the sixth minute when Nicolas Anelka fired the Blues in front and the outcome was put beyond doubt after Gary Caldwell was sent off and Frank Lampard made it 2-0 from the spot.

It is worth remembering Wigan actually beat Chelsea 3-1 earlier in the season and have also defeated the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool at home, although admittedly overcoming Rafa Benitez’s clowns is no big deal these days.

There is clearly some ability in Wigan’s squad as these results show, so why the tame surrender away from home?

They had already lost 9-1 at Spurs, 5-0 home and away against Manchester United as well as enduring 4-0 hidings at Arsenal, Bolton and even Portsmouth.

By anyone’s estimation that is relegation form but still they managed to survive the drop by six points, despite their goal difference of minus 42 being worse than all three of the teams who did eventually end up being relegated.

Overall, Wigan will be happy though because they have survived to feast for another year on the Premiership gravy train and all the riches that ensures.

And this really is the bottom line for a club who will always be involved in relegation battles, which led me to make my earlier claim they are the most pointless team in top-flight history.

It isn’t even as if they have a fan base to keep happy as their pitiful attendances, which are easily the worst in the division, demonstrate.

The amount of empty seats you see at Wigan’s ground during games speaks volumes about the lack of interest they inspire, even in their own town.

Wigan started out as a non-league club and only entered the Football League in the late 1970s.

Their rise is in some ways commendable but it is worth remembering they would probably still be yo-yoing between League One and Two were it not for the millions pumped in by benefactor Dave Whelan.

If he were to pull the plug, Wigan would fall rapidly and I can’t say their demise would be mourned by many.

No doubt they will be happy to settle for fourth or fifth bottom again this time next year but hopefully the three teams coming up are stronger and Wigan will drop.

This column in no way reflects the official position of News Shopper or its parent company.

What do you think? Were you disappointed by the Premier League decider? Would the league be any worse off without teams like Wigan? Add your comments below.

Check News Shopper's website every lunchtime for a new daily opinion column. Monday is back to the Shopper Rant on a topical news story. Tuesday is entertainment day. Wednesday is a reader's rant, and Thursday will cover a moral issue. Be sure to have your say if you agree or disagree with what you read.