1 May 2006, by Sean Gillen

Carvalho on the scoresheet as Chelsea show why they are champions

Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United

Chelsea clinched their second successive Premiership title after an emphatic 3-0 win over closest challengers Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

United arrived at the Bridge needing a victory to delay Chelsea’s title celebrations, but Jose Mourinho’s men were too strong for the Red Devils and goals from William Gallas, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho gave ‘The Blues’ the all-important win.

The home side got off to a perfect start, with Gallas putting them in front after just 5 minutes. United felt Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled in the build-up to a Chelsea corner, but from Frank Lampard’s set piece Didier Drogba flicked the ball on to the unmarked Gallas to head in from close range.

Portuguese winger Ronaldo endured a frustrating afternoon as United struggled to retain possession enough to provide good service to their frontline. The 21-year-old Portuguese star, having felt hard done by after not being awarded the earlier free-kick that lead to Chelsea’s goal, struggled to regain his composure and was booked in the second half after a series of fouls before being substituted.

United found it difficult to settle after the early goal, but their best period in the game came in the 20 minutes before halftime. United’s attempt to catch Chelsea on the counter attack saw the ball break for Wayne Rooney but after outpacing two men, the 20-year-old dragged his finish wide with only Cech to beat.

After Cech saved another excellent low shot from Rooney, O’Shea failed to make the most of a good headed opportunity as United put the home side under pressure going into the break.

Chelsea were in control for the majority of the second half and Robben had twice gone close before Cole put the match out of United’s reach on the hour mark with brilliant individual effort. Cole held off Mikael Silvestre before his quick feet got the better of Rio Ferdinand and he finished superbly.

Carvalho stunner

The Blues’ third and final goal was started and finished by the impressive Ricardo Carvalho. The Portuguese defender won possession from United substitute Ruud van Nistelrooy inside his own half and, after a sweeping counter attack, received the ball from Cole inside the United box and clinically lashed the ball past van Der Sar.

An injury to Rooney, sustained during a challenge with Paulo Ferreira, caused concern amongst both fans as the England star looked in serious pain before being stretchered off in the closing stages. It has since been revealed that a broken foot is likely to rule the youngster out of the World Cup.

Although Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed that the result was unfair on United, there was an obvious gap in quality between the sides. Chelsea’s superiority was underlined as the Champions went 12 points clear of United at the top of the table.

After the match, United manager Alex Ferguson conceded that Chelsea deserved the title “Chelsea deserve all the plaudits they will get and, especially on their home form, they are worthy champions”.

United, with two home games against Middlesbrough and Charlton remaining, will now hope to secure second place ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool.


Chelsea:
Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Makelele, Joe Cole (Crespo 76), Essien, Lampard, Robben (Duff 66), Drogba (Maniche 85)
Yellow Cards: Cech, Makelele, Gallas, Joe Cole

Man United:
Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo (van Nistelrooy 64), O'Shea, Giggs (Richardson 73), Park, Rooney (Evra 82), Saha
Yellow Cards: Ronaldo, Rooney

Goals:
[1-0] Gallas, 5
[2-0] Joe Cole, 61
[3-0] Ricardo Carvalho, 73