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Chelsea star Joe Cole believes winning the title this season would surpass their back-to-back championship wins under Jose Mourinho.

The Blues fired themselves back into contention for the title last weekend with a 2-1 win over rivals Arsenal in Grand Slam Sunday.

Cole has been a driving force in Chelsea's assault on the title with a number of impressive performances for Avram Grant's men.

Chelsea are currently eight points behind leaders Manchester United ahead of Sunday's game with Middlesbrough and Cole admits it would be a major feat if they could overtake United and claim the Premier League crown.

"In many ways, if we won the league it would be a bigger achievement than when we won it two years on the run, because we have kept our belief even when we were so far behind," Cole told The News of the World.

"We have had a lot of adversity this season but we could still come out with a trophy or two.

Threat

"I now believe we are the biggest threat to Manchester United.

"People would have laughed off our chances a few weeks ago when we were ten points behind Arsenal, but we have picked them off and now we've got out noses in front of them."

Cole expects plenty more of twists in the race for the title with United still to visit Stamford Bridge.

Ups and downs

"Anything can happen with seven games to go," added Cole. "There will be lots of ups and downs and it will be great for the neutral to watch.

"The team that wins it will be the one that focuses and concentrates the best.

"United have to come to us and they play Arsenal as well. There are going to be lots of opportunities for us.

"We're ready to build some good form and go on the onslaught. This is a great time for Chelsea.

"It is very tight at the top and the race is wide open."