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Nervous Blues keep the pressure on Manchester United

Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho, second left, heads a goal against Middlesbrough during their English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

Ricardo Carvalho kept Chelsea hot on Manchester United's heels as his first goal of the season clinched a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Avram Grant's side closed the gap on Premier League leaders United to five points as they moved back above Arsenal into second place thanks to Carvalho's first half header at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues still have to host United on April 26 but they nearly blew this chance to maintain the pressure as their early dominance gave way to a nervous finale in which Middlesbrough hit the woodwork three times.

Didier Drogba set the tone as he tested Mark Schwarzer with a long-range effort that the Australian fumbled nervously.

Grant's side took the lead in the sixth minute. Wayne Bridge curled over a free-kick from wide on the left and Portugal defender Carvalho rose to power a perfectly-placed header into the far corner.

Kalou could have increased the lead after Michael Essien, muscling in from the right, picked him out with a low cross. Instead Kalou took one touch too many and allowed Luke Young to block his shot.

The killer touch eluded Drogba as well when Joe Cole's cross gave the striker a free header six yards out and he flicked his effort tamely over.

The subdued atmosphere suggested Chelsea's fans had less belief in their team's title chances than the players. But Grant's side were on top again at the start of the second half, with Schwarzer blocking at Cole's feet.

Essien was next to try his luck as the Ghana midfielder flashed a volley over from the edge of the area.

The misses increased Chelsea's nerves and Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves, on as a substitute, should have punished them. The Brazilian found space to reach Stewart Downing's cross, only to glance his header wide.

Alves was guilty of a worse miss in the 73rd minute. Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini gifted the chance when he missed his clearance after sprinting out of his area. Alves had an open goal to aim at but his shot hit the post and rebounded back to Cudicini.

Chelsea were wobbling and they had to survive another incredible near-miss 10 minutes from time.

Alves headed against the bar from no more than two yards then, after Essien tried to clear, David Wheater also hit the bar with another header.

Middlesbrough appealed in vain for handball when Belletti misjudged a cross, but somehow Chelsea held on.
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