Chelsea celebrate second successive title
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-04-30 09:13
LONDON, April 29 - Chelsea became only the second team to win
back-to-back Premier League titles when they crushed Manchester United 3-0 at
Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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| Chelsea's
manager Jose Mourinho (L) drinks from a champagne bottle as Damien Duff
(2nd L), Arjen Robben (2nd R) and John Terry (R) look on after winning the
English Premier League and their soccer match against Manchester United at
Stamford Bridge in London, April 29, 2006. [Reuters] |
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Their
victory over the only other club to retain the crown since England's top flight
changed its name for the 1992/93 season left them 12 points clear of United with
two games left.
"It's a fantastic feeling...that's the second in England after two in
Portugal," Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports, before Terry lifted the
trophy.
Mourinho also won successive titles in his native Portugal with Porto, as
well as the Champions League.
Defender William Gallas gave Chelsea a perfect start, nipping in to head past
Edwin van der Sar after four minutes when Didier Drogba knocked on Frank
Lampard's corner.
A magnificent goal by Joe Cole past the hour made it 2-0 and Ricardo Carvalho
finished off a sweeping move with a fierce shot after 73 minutes to put the
title party in full swing.
The one blot on the occasion was United and England striker Wayne Rooney
being carried off on a stretcher after a fair challenge from Paul Ferreira in
the 78th minute that left him clutching his foot in pain.
SORE FOOT
Rooney left the stadium on crutches with United manager Alex Ferguson
confirming the 20-year-old had injured his foot, describing it as "sore".
Chelsea skipper John Terry also hobbled out of the stadium having had 10
stitches inserted in a gash in his shin following a clash with Rooney.
Mourinho drew a contrast between Chelsea's two successful title campaigns --
their first since they won the championship for the first time way back in 1955.
"Last season was different, no one believed we would win, last season we were
six, seven points ahead and still people doubted," said Mourinho.
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