Chelsea lead 1-0 at half time against defending champions Manchester United in the crucial Premiership clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Blues made a confident start and dominated the opening period as they looked fiercely determined to take the title race right down to the wire.

After being kept at bay for the normal time, midfielder Michael Ballack gave Avram Grant’s side the lead in the stoppage time with a trademark headed goal.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien showed the intent as he came up with two shots towards the rival goal in the first two minutes of play, one shot just going over the crossbar while the other attempt was easily saved by Edwin Van der Sar.

Already under pressure from the hosts, the Red Devils also suffered an injury blow with centre-back Nemanja Vidic having been forced off in the 11th minute due to a nasty knock to his face from Didier Drogba in an attempt to control the ball.

The Serbian international was left groggy after the Ivorian’s knee had a full impact on his jaw. Sir Alex Ferguson replaced Vidic by midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who slotted in at right-back with Wes Brown going in to partner central defender Rio Ferdinand.

Man United winger Nani, on a counter-attack, wasted a promising chance by going for a shot rather than putting Wayne Rooney through, in one of the few attacking moves created by the visitors. The Portuguese winger then had his shot straight at Petr Cech.

Chelsea continued to harry their rivals with a high-tempo game and there were chances created with regularity. Joe Cole hit the frame of the goal and then Van der Sar was in the right place to deny the England winger.

The Blues finally got the deserving lead, when Germany skipper Ballack got into a great position behind the defenders to plant a stunning header past Van der Sar off a cross from Drogba from the right in the first half stoppage time.

Chelsea 2-1 Manchester Utd FULL TIME REPORT - CLICK TO VIEW

Teams:

Referee: Alan Wiley.