Title race is not over - Mourinho

Mourinho is confident his two-time champions will close the gap on Man Utd

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson the title race is not over.

The champions slid eight points behind United after Michael Essien's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

But Mourinho said: "Ferguson must be happy now because we can say we dropped two points but if he thinks it's over he's in trouble because it's not.

"We are here for the fight and I enjoy the fight. It is better to be in front but let's chase them - we can do it."

Interview: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

Chelsea have one game in hand on Manchester United, which they will play on Wednesday when Newcastle come to Stamford Bridge.

Because of the way they controlled the game in the first half, I am happy to settle for a draw Jose Mourinho

And Mourinho is already counting on closing the gap on United against Glenn Roeder's men.

"On Wednesday - no disrespect to Newcastle - I think I will be here saying the points difference is five," said Mourinho.

"It is a difference but that is not much of a difference in a long Premiership.

"The first step is the five-point difference and after that we will enjoy it. We showed we are not afraid of them and we can beat them at Stamford Bridge."

Arsenal seemed poised to inflict a rare home defeat on Chelsea after Matthieu Flamini had edged Arsene Wenger's side ahead.

But Essien's curling strike in the 84th minute rescued Chelsea and Mourinho, despite questioning Arsenal's defensive tactics, was satisfied with only a point.

"Because of the way they controlled the game in the first half, I am happy to settle for a draw," said Mourinho.

"In the first half, they controlled possession and played with more quality and confidence but I don't remember a single shot.

"It was a bit of a surprise for a team behind the leaders not to come here to win but just to go for the draw.

"In the last period we had big chances to win but we didn't."