Michael Ballack was Chelsea's hero once again as Avram Grant's title-chasers kept the league title race alive with a hard-fought victory.

The German glanced home Didier Drogba's 60th-minute free-kick to give his side the edge in a tight match at St James' Park before Florent Malouda wrapped up the victory eight minutes from time.

Captain John Terry had earlier hit the bar, but the England defender had to clear Michael Owen's 29th-minute shot off the line and Obafemi Martins saw Ricardo Carvalho deflect his effort just wide 19 minutes from time.

Chelsea are level on points with Manchester United at the top, but with a vastly inferior goal difference. The Blues host Bolton Wanderers in the final match, while United travel to Wigan Athletic knowing a win will be enough to claim the title.

For an in-depth match report, click here