Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea

Mar 16 2008 Ron Daniels Reports

AVRAM GRANT heaped praise on his battling stars after they saw off a spirited Sunderland side to keep their title dreams alive.

A first-half header from John Terry was enough to seal the points for Chelsea as they were forced to the wire by the relegation strugglers.

Blues boss Grant was pleased with the display and insists his men must continue with the same attitude to have any chance of winning the league.

He said: "It was difficult. They fought for their lives and for every ball. They pressed us all over the park and they played well.

"It wasn't easy as the game wore on and it became a battle but we defended well. They're a good team and can survive the drop."

England stopper Terry thundered home from Frank Lampard's corner after only 10 minutes The Black Cats began to fear the worst but they dug deep and produced the best chances of the first half with Andy Reid and Kenwyne Jones both coming close to levelling.

Chelsea's Jon Obi Mikel almost deflected Dean Whitehead's near-post cross past Carlo Cudicini as the home side pressed after the break.

But despite their pressure they couldn't find the net with Jones guilty of missing several chances to square the game late on.

Sunderland gaffer Roy Keane insists his side were unlucky to get nothing for their efforts.

He said: "Itwas a top quality display. The effort and intensity of our play was excellent.

"You're not often applauded off after a defeat but the players were great and gave everything."