Grant may yet have the last laugh

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CHELSEA manager Avram Grant believes his side has been playing the best football during an English Premier League title run-in that proves he has what it takes in high-profile matches.

After defeat by Tottenham in the Carling Cup final, one of the criticisms Grant faced was failing in games that matter.

Now he can point to victories over Arsenal and Manchester United since then.

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.

Grant, who was yesterday named English Premier League manager of the month, said: “There is no doubt about this, in the last month we have played very good games.

“Whatever happens on Sunday I will be very proud of what we have done this season. Alex Ferguson said a few months ago it was the best Manchester United side since he’s been coaching. We’ve given them 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. The Chelsea coach has defended himself against those claims.

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.”

Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka will not feature in the finale against Bolton as he is ineligible to play against his former club.