"The advantage is to United but it will not be easy in the last game''

Goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea the win they needed against Newcastle United to ensure that the title race will go down to the final day of the season.

Although Michael Owen had two first-half chances to give Newcastle the lead, and Ballack wasted a good first-half opportunity when through on goal at the other end, Chelsea deserved the win.

And after the break, John Terry headed the ball against the bar before Ballack put the Blues in front with a free header from Didier Drogba's deft cross, and Malouda made it 2-0 with a cool finish when put through superbly by substitute Frank Lampard.

Chelsea now trail leaders Manchester United by a goal difference of 17, and the itle will be decided on the final day when United visit Wigan and Chelsea host Bolton Wanderers.

After the vital victory, Chelsea manager Avram Grant agreed that Manchester United still hold the advantage in the title race, but he was pleased hi team were keeping up the pressure.

"I think this is one of the best seasons. We have shown a lot of character," he said.
"The advantage is to United but it will not be easy in the last game. They need to win.

"I think we have given United a good battle and we want to continue until the last minute."

Grant said he was impressed with the way his team turned things around in the second half, having been second-best to the Magpies in the first 45 minutes.

"We didn't play good. We started the first half very slow, the movement was not good. Maybe they [the players] were a little bit tired," he told Sky Sports. "We changed the tactics and the second half was one of our best."

by Mark Hinton, Goal.com