Cole - It was a must-win game

Blues star hopeful over title challenge

Last updated: 24th March 2008

Joe Cole Chelsea

Cole: Optimistic over title chances

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Joe Cole admits Chelsea's victory over Arsenal was a must-win game for his side.

Chelsea fired themselves into title contention with a hard-fought 2-1 win over London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

With Manchester United having beaten Liverpool earlier in the first instalment of Grand Slam Sunday, Cole concedes Chelsea had to take all three points against Arsenal to keep their title dreams alive.

"We both wanted to win the game so it was end to end, a draw wouldn't have been good for either of us, so we got the spoils today," said Cole.

Aggressive

"We were just a little bit more aggressive with our play.

"We got in their faces a little bit and when Didier plays as well as that you have got to use him, so we just kept knocking the ball up to his chest and joining him from there. We are delighted with the win."

Chelsea are five points behind United with seven games remaining in the season and Cole is confident they can beat the Old Trafford side to the championship.

"Of course we still think we can do it but we have to hope that Manchester United drop points and we win all of our games, but we will keep going, we are on a good run," added Cole.