AVRAM GRANT has sent out a positive message to his Chelsea players after turning the club's season around. A 2-0 win against Newcastle kept the pressure on rivals Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.

United face Wigan in the final game of the season on Sunday knowing a victory should retain the title because of their vastly superior goal difference but Chelsea are refusing to give in ahead of their clash with Bolton.

With United and Chelsea due to meet in the Champions League final in Moscow on May 21st the change in fortunes at Stamford Bridge has caught many observers by surprise. Grant is thrilled at the way the players have responded to his methods since he replaced the charismatic Jose Mourinho in September.

When Mourinho departed Chelsea were off the pace in the league and struggling to stay in the Champions League after drawing with Rosenborg at home. But apart from the League Cup final defeat by Tottenham, Grant has good reason to be cheerful, no matter what happens on Sunday or in Moscow.

"I just need to do my job and be professional as I came here on a mission, " he told the BBC. "The club was a good club but on the way down. Now we are on the right way. It is very exciting when you are creating something, especially at Chelsea. Here you need to create and win.

"When we lost in the cup it was like a funeral. It is a big challenge for me and one that makes me happy. We have fantastic players and fantastic staff. We are also playing good football, exciting football."

While Grant believes Bolton will dig in at Stamford Bridge, he feels Wigan could give United a scare. He added: "We will never give up. No one thought of us as a candidate in the title race. Now only goal difference separates us from United. I know it will be difficult for them at Wigan."

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes his side have the momentum going into the final crucial hurdles of the season.

United's 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday swung the title race in their favour but Chelsea responded in style at a ground where they had not previously won since 2001.

Ballack said: "We saw the Manchester United game and I am sure they watched our match on TV. It was important to show them what we could do, not just as they are our opponents in the league but in the Champions League as well.

"We proved we are a very strong team. We have a good shape and look good. Now we will see what happens on Sunday."

Ballack expects Wigan to test United to the full even though they are managed by former Old Trafford favourite Steve Bruce. He is convinced they will go about their business in a professional manner.

"We have put pressure on United," said the former Bayern Munich midfielder. "Now we hope Wigan are proud enough to give everything in the last game."

Ballack has been a revelation in recent weeks and scored crucial goals in big games. The German grabbed a brace in the victory against United 10 days ago which really opened up the title race.

Then he made the breakthrough against an in-form Newcastle side to ease Chelsea's nerves after a difficult first half. Florent Malouda added a late goal to secure the points they needed to keep the fight going right until the end.

Ballack is savouring the moment as his season only began in December following an ankle operation, which saw him sidelined for eight months. He said: "I had a difficult time but I am over that now. I have enjoyed the last weeks and months. I hope it keeps going. It is always good if you can score in a good moment in important games."

Meanwhile, Chelsea are unlikely to complain about not being awarded the genuine Premier League trophy if they pip Manchester United to the title on Sunday.

The Premier League yesterday confirmed there will be versions of the trophy at both the JJB Stadium and Stamford Bridge but the genuine article will be ready for presentation at Wigan, with Chelsea having to make do with a replica should they succeed.

A Premier League spokesman said: "The practical difficulties of the title race going into the final day of the season means that a Barclays Premier League trophy will be on standby at both the JJB Stadium and Stamford Bridge."