Carlo Ancelotti's men returned to the top of the table on Sunday after a first-half double from Didier Drogba saw off the challenge of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners had plenty of possession, but crucially could not turn that into goals.

Afterwards, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger congratulated Chelsea on their efficiency, while also taking a sly dig by claiming "we didn't get a demonstration of football".

However, Germany captain Ballack maintains such determination to get the final result is what counts in the end.

"We wanted to do our job," the 33-year-old said. "We knew the way Arsenal play. It is always the same style. If you play tactics like we did, you can beat them.

"This season and the season before they showed they weren't able to win the league.

"He [Wenger] always says things like this when he loses to find an excuse - but football is not possession of the ball and playing a nice pass, football is about winning games and that is what Manchester United showed when they played them and what we did.

"We derived the win because we were very effective and that was our strategy."

Ballack declared: "Football is a mixture of winning games and good football physically, but also technically.

"We have a good mix in the team as we have shown this season and you can't do more. We are in first position and that counts."

Chelsea's advantage at the top is only two points ahead of United, who thrashed bottom club Portsmouth 5-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Arsenal are now some nine points adrift, having lost successive matches against the top two following an impressive 10-match unbeaten run which briefly returned them to the summit.

Ballack said: "If you look now, it seems like a race between Manchester United and us - but four weeks ago, you could see how it was [different] and it can go quick when teams lose points."

Drogba once again proved too hot for Arsenal to handle, as the Ivory Coast striker made it 12 goals in his last 12 games against Wenger's young Gunners.

Ballack hailed the impact of the 31-year-old, who is just back from international duty at the African Nations Cup and came within inches of netting a hat-trick on Sunday when his 20-yard free-kick crashed back off the crossbar.

"In big games like this, he is there and that is why he is a big player," said Ballack.

"Didier has unbelievable physical strength, but he has great technique, is a great free-kick taker and has the nose of a striker.

"He has a lot of qualities and not a lot of players are like this."

Ballack added: "But we have a lot of big characters and this is why we have a good team.

"It is really great to play in a team like this. Everybody fights for everybody - there is a good spirit and experience in the team.

"We have played for a few years together and have a lot of personal qualities in the players.

"Even if you don't play a fantastic game yourself, we have players who can decide games by one action."

Chelsea captain John Terry - sacked as England skipper as the fall-out from allegations about his private life continues - lead by example against Arsenal, his header from a corner setting up Drogba for the opening goal.

The centre-back, however, picked up a dead leg and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Everton on Wednesday night, while it has also been speculated Terry will be given a leave of absence from next weekend's FA Cup tie against Cardiff to deal with off-field issues.

Ballack maintains the team are united behind their captain.

"We can't do more than win games and that is what we have done," the midfielder said.

"We are one team and we don't want to speak about the other thing, but the best answer we can give was on the pitch."

He added: "We play for Chelsea and that is our job, which is why we have to win games and that is what we did.

"The team looked confident and settled.

"It is important to win, even in difficult situations - that is always the best answer."