A Michael Ballack header and a late strike from Florent Malouda secured a win on Monday that leaves Avram Grant's side level on points with Manchester United ahead of the final round of matches on Sunday.

United remain top courtesy of a vastly superior goal difference and that advantage means they will be champions if they win at Wigan, or at least match Chelsea's result in their final match, at home to Bolton.

But Grant was delighted that his players had pushed United to the wire, and warned the champions that they still have their work cut out if they are to secure the club's tenth title under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Manchester United are a great team but we are giving them a good, good battle and we want to continue to the last moment," the Israeli said.

"We have showed a lot of character to get here. The advantage is with United but it will not be easy. They need to win to be champions."

Chelsea were under pressure for long periods from Kevin Keegan's side, who had gone into the match unbeaten in their seven previous matches.

But John Terry's goal-line clearance from Michael Owen denied the Magpies a half-time lead and Chelsea made their hosts pay after the break.

Ballack glanced in a Didier Drogba freekick in the 60th minute and, with eight minutes to play, French winger Malouda rounded off a slick passing move by slotting a low left-foot shot past Steve Harper.

Terry admitted afterwards that Grant had been forced to give his players ‘a bit of a rollicking’ at the interval following their sluggish start to the match.

"I've said all along, we need to do our job and that is what we have done," Terry said.

The Chelsea captain expects Wigan, who are managed by former United defender Steve Bruce, to provide the leaders with a tough test next weekend.

"Wigan are on a great run at the moment. They came to Stamford Bridge and gave us a good game and they've won a few since then.

"Steve Bruce is a great manager and they will do the Premiership justice. They are safe now but they will be wanting to beat Manchester United."

Grant admitted his side's first-half display had looked tired.

"We were very slow, the movement was not good but we changed tactics and the second half was far better," he said.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan paid tribute to the grit and quality Chelsea had displayed to secure their win, but admitted he expects them to miss out on the title.