The Germany international opened the scoring with a fine header just before the break but Wayne Rooney's clinical finish levelled the scores mid-way through the second half.

But Ballack was to have the last word when firing home an 86th-minute penalty in the closing stages to put Chelsea level on points with United, who stay top with a vastly superior goal difference.

The teams both have two matches left to play.

For an in-depth match report click here