Grant glad to keep up chase

Blues' boss impressed as they go within two points of the top

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 5th April 2008

Football Premier League Manchester City Chelsea Salomon Kalou

Kalou: Scores clinching goal

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Manager Avram Grant was glad Chelsea maintained their title challenge by producing a professional performance to win 2-0 at Manchester City.

City skipper Richard Dunne gave Chelsea the lead with a sixth-minute own goal, and Salomon Kalou's 53rd-minute strike proved enough to seal the three points, despite the Blues being far from firing on all cylinders.

Chelsea's 11th away win of the season kept the pressure on title rivals United as it closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to two points ahead of United's trip to face Middlesbrough on Sunday.

"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game against Manchester City, especially against a manager like Sven (Goran Eriksson), who is very clever," said Grant.

Good start

"But we won the game and we played well, especially in the second half, so we're happy.

"I think we started the game very well. We scored the goal and we had some very good attacks with only the last pass missing.

"After 15-20 minutes, Manchester City responded well and got back into the game, but second half we were the better team and deserved more goals."

City had plenty of chances to draw level before half-time, but Chelsea were always a threat on the break.

Sound defence

"We know how to play football but sometimes we're not concentrating in defence," said Grant.

"When you speak about attacking football, sometimes that is the price for it. I'm happy that it's not happened to us many times this season, and in this game also.

"We played very well in the second half, could easily have scored more goals, and a win is a win."

Pressure

United know they must beat Middlesbrough to restore some breathing space at the top of the table and Grant was pleased to take advantage of playing first.

"If you win it's good, if you don't then it's not good," added the Israeli boss.

"I've spent all my life fighting for titles and some psychologists will say it's good to play first, and some not. But it's always good to win and then the pressure is on the other team."