KEVIN Keegan told his players that title-chasing Chelsea would step up a gear after a goalless first half at St. James' Park - and was proved right.

Goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda kept the Stamford Bridge club behind Manchester United on goal difference going into next week's final round of matches.

And after watching his side's seven-match unbeaten run come to an end the Newcastle boss admitted: "Take the result and the second-half performance and we failed.

"We were probably slightly the better side in the first half on chances created and opportunities that could have been.

"But we lost Mark Viduka at half-time and I said they would be better than that in the second half. All we had done by then was get a foothold in the game.

"They were better, and we stepped back a bit, but you've got to give them credit. They are a better team than anybody gives them credit for.

"There's no Shaun Wright-Phillips. There's no Ashley Cole.Then they bring on Frank Lampard and Alex

"You don't need me to tell you it's a pretty strong squad and that's why they are where they are and can play 60-odd games and challenge for the Champions League."

Manchester United remain favourites to take the title at Wigan next week while Chelsea entertain Bolton Wanderers, but Keegan added: "Chelsea would be worthy champions. I don't think they will be, but in any other season they could be.

"I think it will be Manchester United as champions. They have great players that have given them the edge, and I can't see them going to Wigan and losing. Chelsea will be going more in hope than expectation."