United take title as Blues are held

The encounter had been scrappy, with few chances before defender Khalid Boulahrouz was shown a red card for hauling down Julio Baptista on 42 minutes and Gilberto converted the resulting penalty.

Michael Essien's close-range header with 20 minutes left gave the Blues brief hope - but a draw was not enough and United were champions again for the first time since 2003.

Jose Mourinho can be justifiably proud of his side for their fighting spirit but in excusing Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho from duty because of the injuries they have carried through an exhausting schedule, the Chelsea coach probably knew what was coming.

All that remains now for Mourinho is the delicate decision over whether to reciprocate the guard of honour Sir Alex Ferguson offered his champion side two years ago when United head to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, and the small matter of an FA Cup Final meeting with the Red Devils on May 19.

The Gunners took the lead when goalkeeper Jens Lehmann launched a punt forward that John Terry failed to cut out and Boulahrouz was caught out by Julio Baptista's pace.

In his desperation to challenge for possession, Boulahrouz succeeded only in bundling the Arsenal man over. The penalty award was automatic, as was the red card and Gilberto stepped up to calmly send Petr Cech the wrong way.

Against his former club, William Gallas should have doubled Arsenal's lead instead of heading Cesc Fabregas' corner over from five yards.

Had Gallas found the net, it would have saved Ferguson and his players 20 nervous minutes after Essien had levelled with a glancing header as he met Wright-Phillips' low cross at the near post.

Twice Lehmann required the end of his fingers to deny Chelsea after Joe Cole's superb finish had correctly been ruled out for offside but no matter how many bodies the visitors pushed forward, a winner proved elusive.