NEWCASTLE, England (AP):

The Barclays Premier League (BPL) title race is going down to the final day of the season.

Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda scored a goal each yesterday to lead Chelsea over Newcastle 2-0 and ensure their battle with Manchester United won't be concluded until Sunday.

Man United and Chelsea are even with 84 points each, but defending champions United lead on goal difference. United play at Wigan while Chelsea host Bolton.

"I think this is one of the best seasons. We have shown a lot of character," Chelsea manager Avram Grant said. "The advantage is to United, but it will not be easy in the last game. They need to win.

A good battle

"I think we have given United a good battle and we want to continue until the last minute.''

United lost out to Blackburn when the destination of the title was determined on the last day of the 1995 season, but emerged victorious when the scenario was repeated in their duel with Arsenal in 1999.

Ballack put Chelsea ahead with a glancing header in the 61st minute. Malouda had been clipped by Abdoulaye Faye to the right of the penalty area and Didier Drogba hooked in the free kick to the unmarked Ballack.

Substitute Frank Lampard slid a pass past Steven Taylor in the 82nd and Malouda poked home his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.

The Blues survived a scare in the 28th with captain John Terry's goal-line clearance denying Michael Owen.

A bit slow at times

"We were a bit slow at times with our touches on the ball in the first half," Terry said. "We had a bit of a rollicking at half-time, but we needed to pick it up to put the pressure on Manchester United.

Avram Grant made five changes from the team that beat Liverpool on Wednesday to reach the Champions League final on May 21, with Lampard benched after converting a penalty at Stamford Bridge.