ManU win EPL as Chelsea draw Arsenal

New Delhi: Manchester United have clinched their first English Premier League (EPL) title since 2003 following Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.

The result means United, who have now won the Premiership a record nine times, are now seven points clear at the top of the table with just two games left.

United are on 88 points after defeating Manchester City 1-0 on Saturday while Chelsea are second with 81 points with only two games left.

United's first game as champions see them face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and they also face Jose Mourinho's Blues in the FA Cup final on May 19.

United have been the EPL champions nine times since the League was formed in 1992 and they all have come under manager Alex Ferguson, who took over the club in 1986. United also have won seven other English titles.

Ferguson watched the final 15 minutes of Chelsea-Arsenal match and said: "It's a fantastic day for the club and the supporters."

"Over the last two years, Chelsea has dominated the Premier League, and yes, we had a big job to do to catch up with them. The key was having a good start to the season and trying to stay with them," he added.

Chelsea were trying to win their third straight EPL title and the last club to do that was Manchester United from 1999-01.

However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho did not appear disappointed after failing to clinch the title.

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

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

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

United hosts West Ham on Sunday in its final game, while Chelsea hosts Everton.

(With inputs from AP)