Blues revel in title celebrations

Mourinho gets Chelsea's party started at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho threw his medal into the crowd to celebrate his side's second successive title after they cruised past Manchester United.

The Blues only needed a draw to retain their crown but a 3-0 win saw them do it in style at Stamford Bridge.

And Mourinho said: "It is a fantastic feeling, unbelievable.

"This is my second in England and my fourth consecutive title if you include Porto. One day we'll lose but, for now, we are the best team in the country."

The hosts only needed a draw to seal the title, but William Gallas' fourth-minute header calmed the Blues' early nerves as the hosts made a magnificent start.

And United's brief resurgance came to an end when Joe Cole's wonderful run and finish made it two, before Ricardo Carvalho's powerful strike put the seal on a fine win to spark jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge.

We are the best team in the country and we really deserve this moment Jose Mourinho

And Mourinho added: "We are now 12 points clear and I think that says it all.

"We are the best team in the country and we really deserve this moment."

On throwing his medal into the crowd, he said: "The medal was for everybody but the person who caught it is lucky."

The Chelsea boss actually threw two medals in after collecting a second medal and then hurling that into the crowd as well, and he joked: "Whoever caught them has a great souvenir. Unless they put it on eBay and make a fortune."

And the 43-year-old, who changed his traditional black scarf for a Portuguese one as Chelsea's victory became certain, also admitted that this season's title win was as sweet as last season's.

Despite starting the season with nine straight wins, the Blues were pushed all the way by a resurgant United side in the second half of the season.

Skipper Terry holds the trophy aloft

"Last year was different for us all," he said. "Even when we were seven or eight points clear, no-one believed we could do it.

"But this season it was the opposite. Liverpool and United had poor starts to the season and, as soon as we were a long way clear, everyone said the title was won already.

"We had to manage a different and difficult situation, but we did and the feeling is unbelievable."

Skipper John Terry, who appeared to play most of the match with a leg injury, was equally jubilant afterwards, saying: "All season we've proved how good we are.

"At times we've had to dig in and graft, but we can do that as well as play.

"To win the league two years on the trot is a special achievement. The crowd have been unbelievable and this is for them."

On his injury, the defender added: "There was no way I was going off, not a chance.

"I've just got a bit of blood on it I think, but I was desperate to stay on and enjoy the moment."

To win back-to-back titles is unbelievable and it's definitely harder to retain a title than to win it first time Joe Cole

The club's top scorer, Frank Lampard, said: "Winning the league means you are the dominant team in the country and we're 12 points clear now, so there's no doubt in my mind that we're the best team in the league.

"Cup competitions are a bit of a lottery and defeats can happen, as they have to us, but the league doesn't lie.

"As for my own season, I'm obviously happy to play my part. I like to make a contribution and I know I can score goals, but this is a real team effort.

"This means everything to us today and we're going to celebrate it properly now."

Goalscorer Joe Cole said: "It's a great day for us. To win back-to-back titles is unbelievable and it's definitely harder to retain a title than to win it first time.

Mourinho has been a revelation for you lot. I'm glad for you, congratulations! From NUFC fan Have your say on 606

"Manchester United have got better, Liverpool have got better and now Tottenham have joined Arsenal in pushing the top sides too.

"It meant we had to improve and we have done. Today proves that.

"It's a massive achievement. United have dominated this league for a while, but now we're putting down our marker and proving that we're capable of doing that."