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Premier League Betting: Chelsea win dents United's title odds, but only just

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Betfair's markets have reacted to the Chelsea win after a Michael Ballack penalty. The Earth hasn't exactly moved though, as Ferguson's men are still fairly strong favourites.

Chelsea and Man Utd are now level on points at the top of the Premier League with two games remaining each, after the Blues triumphed in Saturday's early kick off at Stamford Bridge.

A headed goal from Michael Ballack gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead just before half time and that meant huge disappointment for those punters who had backed the half time draw at [1.06] as well as delight for those who backed Chelsea to be ahead as high as [16.0].

Man Utd, who had been poor in the first period, rallied and found a fine equaliser from Wayne Rooney, but moments later he limped off with an apparent hip injury to be replaced by Ronaldo. Both he and Nemanja Vidic, who was inadvertently kneed in the face by Didier Drogba, will surely be doubtful for the second leg of their Champions' League semi-final against Barcelona.

So 1-1 after an hour, and over the next twenty minutes the draw steadily shortened to a minimum price of [1.43], when Chelsea were available as high as [4.9].

But, in the 84th minute, Michael Carrick was adjudged to have used his hand in the area and his namesake, Ballack, sent Edwin van der Sar the wrong way to give Chelsea a 2-1 lead. They held on for five minutes, continuing their amazing home Premier League record, and keeping alive their hopes of stealing the title from Ronaldo and co.

Betfair's Premier League winner market saw Utd lengthen, but not much as their far superior goal difference means two wins should see them reatin the league title. They are currently [1.43] having traded as low as [1.06] earlier in the season.

Chelsea, meanwhile, jumped from [4.6] to [3.5] before settling at around [3.8]. Arsenal are still considered to be well out of the reckoning, and they are currently available at [120.0] .