Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 in a dramatic match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to pull level at the top of the Premier League and keep alive their hopes of snatching the title from United's grasp.

Michael Ballack was Chelsea's scoring hero, deciding the game with an 86th-minute penalty after heading the home side ahead at the end of the first half.

The Chelsea players celebrated that goal by unfolding a number eight shirt with "Pat Lampard RIP" on the back following the death of midfielder Frank Lampard's mother on Thursday. He was given compassionate leave by the club and missed the game.

Wayne Rooney equalised for the visitors when his 56th-minute shot went in off the post after a careless backpass from Ricardo Carvalho.

Better goal average
With two matches to play both teams have 81 points, although United remain top because of a better goal difference.

Despite the defeat United will still win the title if they match the same number of points that Chelsea collect from their last two games at Newcastle United and at home against Bolton Wanderers.

United's last two league games are at home to West Ham United and away at Wigan Athletic.

Ballack's late winner came after Michael Carrick was judged to have handled a cross from Michael Essien just minutes after Wes Brown appeared to have also handled in the area.

Meanwhile Chelsea ground staff and Manchester United players were involved in a bizarre fracas on the pitch in an almost deserted Stamford Bridge stadium immediately after the match.