Grant reveals pride in Blues

by RivalsDM

Updated: May 9, 2008, 12:37 PM EST Comment

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Sun., May 11
Birmingham 4-1 Blackburn	Recap
Chelsea 1-1 Bolton*	Recap
Derby County 0-4 Reading	Recap
Everton 3-1 Newcastle*	Recap
Middlesbrough 8-1 Man City*	Recap
Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham	Recap
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Only goal difference now separates Chelsea and United going into the final weekend of the season, with Grant needing victory over Bolton and for Sir Alex Ferguson's men to drop points at Wigan.

Chelsea are expected to cruise to three points at Stamford Bridge, given their recent performances. Then he wants them to take their form to Moscow when they face United in the Champions League final.

"There is no doubt about this, in the last month we have played very good games," Grant said.

"The best football at the right times against big teams and big managers. You need every minute to think what to do against them.

"Whatever happens on Sunday I will be very proud of what we have done this season.

"Alex said a few months ago it was the best Manchester United side since he's been coaching. We've given a battle.

"If they take the title, and I'm not sure they will, it will be on goal difference."

It has been suggested that Chelsea's players, rather than Grant, are responsible for the title charge, but the Chelsea boss defended himself again.

"The players showed by themselves good character and quality," he said.

"When we had bad moments we had good recovery which is important. It's not easy when you are chasing.

"My job is to make decisions and take responsibility for those decisions.

"I must say the players did a good job. On the other hand there were many, many tough decisions during the season about players.

"It's my job to take responsibility."

Regardless of where the source of Chelsea's inspiration has come from, they will need help from Wigan to complete the most remarkable of title triumphs.

Conspiracy theorists will point to former United defender Steve Bruce being in charge of Wigan, while Grant knows Chelsea's victory in January was the last time an away side won at the JJB Stadium.

"Wigan haven't lost at home since January," Grant said.

"They played fantastic against us at Stamford Bridge and they know they are in the spotlight all over the world.

"I think they will do their best. We hope everything will be okay. Nobody expected us to be at this stage but we believed all the time."

While United's freescoring season gives them the edge, Chelsea's defeat at Old Trafford in Grant's first game in charge is also a factor.

Grant was furious when Carlos Tevez scored after the allotted two minutes of first-half injury time, and he felt Wayne Rooney should have been sent off.

"This is one of my worst moments," he said.

"To come to a game, I didn't have time to influence the team but I was in charge.

"What the referee did in this game I didn't see (before) in my life, and I have seen bad decisions."

If Sunday ends in disappointment, there is still Moscow to look forward to, and the fact they took United to the final day.

"This is the most competitive league in the world and to finish second, first or third it means more than other leagues, with all respect," Grant said.

He added: "I said from day one, and no-one believed it because it was two or three days after we drew with Rosenborg, that our first priority would be at least to be in the final of the Champions League - it is history for the club and a big step.

"And to develop and improve our game. We have not just improved our game but did it in the most important games of the season. I am very proud of this.

"But when you go to the bridge you also want to go to the other side. We will try to do our best on Sunday and on May 21."