A Michael Ballack header and a late strike from Florent Malouda secured a win 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.

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. -- AFP