Chelsea-Manchester United: A Big Game Finally Lives Up to Its Billing !

Michael Ballack scored twice as Chelsea drew level with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

The two teams are now level on 81 points with United's far superior goal difference separating the two teams with two games remaining in the title race.

In my opinion, Chelsea completely dominated the game bar a few moments early in the second half. Salomon Kalou was immense and frustrating at the same time. Essien was unbelievable, the amount of times he ran up and down the park was amazing and continued that right untill the 95th min.

United without Ronaldo and Tevez, it was clear that they were struggling offensively. Surprisingly, Anderson was the one I was fearing everytime United came forward with the ball.

Chelsea's opening goal came right before half time. Drogba showed great ability to turn not once, but twice on the same player before laying a beauty of cross. Ballack arrived late in the box and powered the header past Van Der Sar, who had no chance of getting to it.

Second half, United started out with a team on a mission. Sir Alex clearly had something to say during the break as they came out and pegged Chelsea back. Out of the blue, Carvalho needlessly, took a quick freekick and layed the ball into the path of Rooney, who was half injured, but still managed to find a crisp finish.

Chelsea now surged forward looking for the winnner, which Inevitablly allowed space at the back. United were hitting Chelsea on the break but were time and time again being stopped by an outstanding Chelsea defence. Nani was guilty of wasting possesion on a number of times. Still, United's defence was doing as well as Chelsea's and Ferdinand wasn't allowing Drogba anytime on the ball.

In the end, it was a freak incident that decided the game. Essien tried to cross the ball but hit Carrick on the arm and the linesman did not hesitate to signal for a penalty. After a furious United protest, up stepped Ballack and scored his second goal of the game to effectively seal the match. Although, United STILL had time to score again.

The fourth official signalled 5 minutes added time and that gave United time to push on a find an equaliser. They almost did that, with TWO goal line clearances in the space of 2 mins. First Ashley Cole cleared the line from after Ronaldo's shot passed Cech and then Shevchenco cleared the ball after Fletcher touched the ball goal-bound.

The final whistle was met with loud cheers from the home supporters in the stadium and in 'my' house.

I was over the moon about the result AND the performance. We actually outplayed United for most parts of the game.

Credit must also be given to Avram Grant. With the score at 1-1 he promptly went for the winner and put Anelka on for Ferreira. And then, he was about to bring on Belletti but saw Chelsea go 2-1 up and decided to shore up the midfield by putting Makelele in.

It was a fantastic game, with top qualty football being played all over the park for the full 95 mins. Finally a big game lived up to its billing and its credit to the two teams.

Now i wish United goodluck on Tuesday and I hope we meet them again in the CL final ( if we get through, hopefully).