Jose: Race Not Over
Yet
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed it is "impossible" for Arsenal
to claim the title and accused Arsene Wenger's side of not trying
to win after the 1-1 draw between the sides at Stamford
Bridge.
Mourinho admitted Arsenal had played better than his team in the
first half - but suggested Wenger's men were more concerned with
avoiding defeat than forcing their way back into the title
race.
"If Arsenal win their game in hand, there will still be 15 points
between them and [leaders] Manchester United, so I think it is
impossible for them to be champions," said Mourinho, whose side are
eight points behind United with one game in hand.
"Arsenal had quality, organisation and control, but ambition to
win? No. Only one team tried to win the game. "It is a surprise for
a big team to come to Stamford Bridge and be very happy just to get
a point.
But Wenger, who was without first-team regulars Thierry Henry,
Tomas Rosicky and Kolo Toure, defended his decision to use a 4-5-1
formation, with Emmanuel Adebayor the lone striker.
The Frenchman also insisted his club are still capable of clawing
back United but admitted it would be difficult. Wenger said: "What
does he (Mourinho) want? Our defence was very, very young, and
there was a lot of pressure on them. "It was difficult, and I felt
they needed protection. We are frustrated, though, because we
wanted to win the game.
"If you ask me whether I would prefer Manchester United to win the
title, or Chelsea to win it, my answer is simple: I would prefer
Arsenal to win it. "It looks a bit difficult, and United will need
to drop points, but we have a young side and it takes time to
achieve consistency."
Wenger added: "I like Drogba, but I thought he was a bit theatrical
today, and tried to referee the game."
