Ricardo Carvalho's sixth-minute header sealed the victory for the Blues, who leapfrog Arsenal into second place in the Barclays Premier League table.

Wayne Bridge floated the ball into a crowded penalty box and Carvalho rose the highest to head past Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The hosts dominated possession in the remainder of the match but were unable to convert it into goals and the visitors almost stole a share of the points, hitting the woodwork three times in the closing stages.

Terry told Setanta Sports 1: "It was not a great performance today - we didn't start very well and there were a few tired legs out there, but we got the three points and held on.

"Middlesbrough have some big players and we attacked the ball well in defence and managed to deal with the late pressure.

"We dug in well today and this lifts us up to second which is good. All we can do as a team is keep the pressure up on Manchester United and carry on winning."

Joe Cole felt his team struggled to get going against a disciplined Boro side.

He added: "These are the sort of games you have to win - we almost got punished and we are aware that we need to play better than this.

"A team managed by Gareth Southgate is going to very well organised which showed today.

"We struggled to get going but fortunately we showed great strength and resilience to get the win."

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Chelsea manager Avram Grant felt it was crucial his side got the three points from the match even if the performance was not up to his expected standard.

"It was an important to get the win at the this stage of the season," Grant said.

"There are a few games to go and it was important to win . It was not a great performance but it was very important that we got the points.

"Middlesbrough's set pieces troubled us in the second half but I think we deserved the victory even if it was not a quality game.

"We didn't play as well as we can and sometimes this happens. But we created chances and scored a goal so that is what matters.

"It was important after Manchester United won yesterday to get a win and keep the pressure on. We need to keep winning and continue to put pressure on and wait for them to come here."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was pleased with the response of his side after the break following a poor first-half showing.

He said: "I think the second half we were much better. In the first half we looked like we came here to swap shirts and watch Chelsea play.

"But in the second we rattled them, put pressure on Chelsea and I was pleased with the second half. We could have had a penalty and pushed them all the way.

"We changed the shape at half-time and out mentality changed as well. We seemed content to be losing 1-0 and needed to be more positive and test them which we did

"This is a young group of lads and this kid of performance, especially the second half, will help them grow in belief."