Manchester United won its first Premier League title since 2003 on Sunday without kicking a ball as Chelsea was held to a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

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

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho hugs Lassana Diarra after they drew with Arsenal, giving idle Manchester United the Premiership title.
(Tom Hevezi/Associated Press)

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

Chelsea outplayed Arsenal in the second half, and had several chances to win the match. The club had been trying to win its third straight Premier League title. The last club to do that was Manchester United from 1999-2001.

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

United has now won the English title nine times since the Premier League was formed in 1992, all under the leadership of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who took over the club in November 1986. United has also won seven other English titles.

"It's a fantastic day for the club and the supporters," said Ferguson, who admitted he watched the final 15 minutes of Sunday's match. "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. And I think we did that very well."

Manchester victorious

On Saturday, United defeated Manchester City 1-0 to improve to 88 points. Chelsea has 81 points with two games left. The two play each other at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

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

Man United and Chelsea, which were both ousted in the Champions League semifinals this week, also play each other in the FA Cup final on May 19. Chelsea has already won the League Cup.

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole put the ball in the net in the 77th, but it was called back for offsides. Chelsea captain John Terry headed over in the 85th and Frank Lampard had a shot saved by Lehmann in the 87th as Chelsea pushed for a winner.

Hit the crossbar

Salomon Kalou had a shot tipped over by Lehmann in injury time and Arsenal replied when defender Emmanuel Eboue hit the crossbar.

After the final whistle, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho walked over to the club's fans and applauded them. He pointed toward his players, who walked over to join him.

"I'm very proud of my players," Mourinho said. "Normally when a team has a lot of success and loses a championship it's lack of motivation, not the same spirit or ambition, but it was exactly the opposite."

Arsenal stayed in fourth place with the draw and has 67 points, behind Liverpool on goal difference. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have earned spots in the qualifying round of next season's Champions League.