Weather Afternoon: 10°c Sunny spells Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night

Sport

Michael Ballack
Fired up: Michael Ballack celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the Blues' win at Newcastle to maintain their title challenge

Ballack: Don't let us down

Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent
7 May 2008


Michael Ballack today turned up the heat on Manchester United and urged Wigan to help Chelsea steal the Premier League crown on the final day of the season.

The Blues kept up the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's side with an impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle yesterday to draw level with them again at the top of the table with just one game to go. They still trail on goal difference.

United have been strong favourites to win the title for the past two months, but Chelsea can come out on top if their result at home to Bolton on Sunday is better than the champions' at Wigan.

Ballack said: "I am sure everyone at United was watching on the television hoping Newcastle would get a result, but it didn't happen. The next six days could feel like a long or short time for them. The pressure is on and I hope Wigan are proud enough to give everything in the last game and we have to beat Bolton.

"United have everything in their hands, but we are relaxed now. We did our job. We will give everything to beat Bolton at home and we will see what they do."

Ballack believes the onus is on Wigan to do themselves justice and give United a hard game, having secured their top-flight status for another year.

Wigan cost Chelsea a vital two points only three weeks ago when Emile Heskey equalised in injury time and Ballack insists they must play with similar spirit on Sunday.

He added: "I remember when we played them at home they put four strikers in the last four or five minutes to try something and I hope they do the same against Manchester United. I hope they are not on their holidays. They have secured their place in the league but they have enough time to celebrate before preparing for this game."

Sponsors Barclays will send the real Premier League trophy to the JJB Stadium with a replica at Stamford Bridge so both teams can celebrate after their matches should they clinch the title.

Two sets of winners' medals will be made and John Terry is convinced his players will be wearing theirs. He said: "Wigan are on a great run at the moment. They came to the Bridge and put in a very good performance and since then, they've picked up. I think they'll do the Premier League justice and go out there wanting to beat Manchester United."

Terry's defensive partner Ricardo Carvalho has handed Chelsea a fitness scare after limping off with a back injury in the second half at Newcastle. He will have further tests on it today.

Meanwhile, AC Milan have given up their hopes of signing Didier Drogba after being convinced the striker will stay at Chelsea after all.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw has been confirmed as England captain for the rest of the RBS 6 Nations
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •