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 yesterday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The champions retained their unbeaten home record in the Premiership since Mourinho took over in the summer of 2004 thanks only to Michael Essien's brilliant 35-yard equaliser six minutes from time after Mathieu Flamini's 78th-minute strike looked to have given Arsenal victory.

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.

"We are disappointed, because we had so many chances, but if we beat Newcastle on Wednesday, we will be only five points behind United - so [the title race] is more than open."