Back on top...Man U first Premier title since 2003

2007-05-09

Chelsea draw gives Man U first Premier title since 2003



LONDON (AP) -- Manchester United won its first Premier League title since 2003 on Sunday without kicking a ball because Chelsea was held to a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.


Chelsea needed to win to keep the title race alive, but Gilberto Silva scored from a penalty kick in the 43rd minute after midfielder Julio Baptista was brought down by Khalid Boulahrouz. The Chelsea defender was then sent off.


Michael Essien leveled in the 70th minute for Chelsea, beating Arsenal defender William Gallas with a glancing header that got past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.


Chelsea outplayed Arsenal in the second half, and had several chances to win the match.


Chelsea had been trying to win its third straight Premier League title. The last club to do that was Manchester United from 1999-2001.


"I have to say that maybe I'm prouder today than when I was champion," Chelsea said Jose Mourinho said. "My players are heroes. All season, against absolutely everything, they did brilliantly."


United has now won the English title nine times since the Premier League was formed in 1992 -- all under the leadership of manager Alex Ferguson, who took over the club in November 1986. United has also won seven other English titles.


"It's a fantastic day for the club and the supporters," said Ferguson, ....



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