United will rue missed chance, says Makelele

The Blues beat United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to draw level with them at the top of the table with just two games to go, although they still trail on goal difference.

Makelele believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side should have wrapped up the title months ago while Chelsea were still recovering from the sacking of Jose Mourinho and adapting to life under new manager Avram Grant, but feels they have cracked under the pressure.

Just two months ago, Chelsea trailed Arsenal by nine points and United by six and the French international, who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, insists the Blues will have achieved the best comeback ever if they come out on top this term.

The French international midfielder said: "If we win the League, I doubt a comeback like this has ever been done before. We know how far behind we've come from and how much effort we've put in.

"Manchester United know they should have killed off our challenge long ago, that's why they couldn't lose against us. If we get ahead in the title race they will have failed.

"The pressure is on them. They always knew we were their most serious challengers for the title. Even when we fell behind, they knew we were physically and mentally strong enough to come back. We've pushed them all the way.

"It was a huge game for us because we wanted to catch them, but also not lose our second place."

Makelele also believes that Chelsea's win over Manchester United should finally end any doubts over Grant's ability as a manager and make the shadow of Mourinho a thing of the past.

He added: "I believe that Avram Grant is a good manager - just look at where we are today. I don't understand why he is being compared to Jose Mourinho. Avram Grant has only just started.

"Once he's had the same amount of time as his predecessors, then you can draw some conclusions. So far I think he's done well this season.

"The manager lays down the foundations, but it is up to the players to be focussed and deliver the results.

"We've always had enough top players to know what needs to be done. We just needed to remind ourselves.

"We made mistakes that cost us vital points recently, but we have learned a lot this season and we've improved with time."

The 35-year-old has also leapt to the defence of striker Didier Drogba, who has started to come under fire from Chelsea fans again following some disappointing performances and was jeered when he fell out with Michael Ballack over who should take a free kick in the second half on Saturday.

Makelele added: "Didier has always had an important role in the team and even more so at this stage of the season.

"He has had to do his bit up front and we have to make sure we support him from midfield and defence."