Ballack kept his cool to pull Chelsea level on points with United at the top of the Barclays Premier League by securing a 2-1 win with an 84th-minute spot-kick.

It capped a superb performance from Ballack, who had opened the scoring for the Blues in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Both sides now have two games remaining but United still lead the table on goal difference.

Ballack told Sky Sports: "For me it is no problem, I can handle the pressure - it is always a good situation and I like this.

"We had just a little chance with a win and we did it."

Ballack also played down suggestions of a rift with team-mate Didier Drogba. The pair appeared to argue in the second half over who should take a free-kick.

The German said: "Everyone after the game is fine. Him, me, everyone. It was a great victory and everyone played very strong."

Captain John Terry warned United that the Blues are now playing with confidence.

He said: "We needed to win - the win was massive. We got the win, it is a fantastic result with two great goals from Bally.

"We want to win the Premier League and take it away from Man United. We have beaten them and we showed today we can match anyone on our day."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant dedicated the Blues' win to Frank Lampard - who missed the game following the death of his mother Pat - and was happy with the way his players had taken the game to United.

"I want to express my sympathy to Frank. We thought about him in the game and it's (the win) for him," Grant said.

"In the game, we did what we had to do - we put them under pressure - and we hope we are happy at the end of the season. It's not easy when you are under pressure to win two games."

Grant was particularly pleased with the way the Blues ground out a win after Ricardo Carvalho's backpass blunder had gifted an equaliser to Wayne Rooney.

He said: "One of our best players made a mistake but this team has a lot of character and we also played good football today."