'We proved we can compete and that when we reach the high levels of performance we are the best team in the country at the moment,' he said.
'The test for us now is to step forward from this because winning championships is about beating other teams. If we want to win the title, consistency is the name of the game.'
Ferguson agreed with the assessment of opposite number Jose Mourinho that the result was a better one for Chelsea than it was for the hosts, particularly as, in the Scot's eyes, United were in control for long periods.
'It is disappointing to draw because we were in a winning position and allowed them to get an equaliser,' he said.
'They had a lot of possession but didn't create a chance. We did well on the counter-attack and had two magnificent opportunities to get a second.
'But the longer the game goes on everyone starts to get a bit nervous. Even so, they weren't causing us any bother until the goal and I thought Edwin van der Sar had it covered until Louis headed it in. In games like these, you need a little break at times - and we didn't get it.'