Chelsea were crowned Premiership champions for the second successive season after crushing Manchester United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. French defender Willam Gallas put Chelsea ahead early in the first half before Joe Cole added the second one minute past the hour mark. Ricardo Carvalho completed the rout to hand Jose Mourinho's men the Premiership title for the third time in history. Chelsea are on top of the league table with 91 points, 12 points ahead of second-placed United with just two matches remaining. The Blues can break their own record, of 95 points, if they beat Newcastle and Blackburn to take their point tally to 97.
Chelsea were in front after just five minutes when Didier Drogba headed Frank Lampard's corner into the path of Gallas who converted it into the back of the net. Wayne Rooney almost leveled the score in the 22nd minute when he outpaced two defenders and went face to face with chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, but his shot went wide. England international Cole doubled the lead in the 61st minute following a brilliant effort. The skillful winger controlled the ball on the edge of the area, rounding three defenders before blasting a powerful shot past United goalkeeper Van der Sar. Portuguese defender Carvalho sealed the victory in the 73rd minute when he sent a powerful drive from inside the area into the net after being set-up by Cole. Rooney limped off the pitch three minutes later after a challenge from Paulo Ferreira, the injury that casts doubt over his chances of participating in the World Cup as he looked in severe pain.
