Retaining title will be even tougher, warns Mourinho

Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1

The Blues were held at St James' Park as Graeme Souness' men salvaged some pride from the wreckage of a disastrous campaign.

In the process Chelsea set a new lowest goals against figure, just 15 in 38 league games to add to their most wins (29), most clean sheets (25) and highest points total (95).

But after a season which has brought Mourinho two trophies at the first attempt, he admitted the chasing pack will up the stakes over the summer.

"I think it will be hard because they know the team we have, they know what we can do and they know they need to be better if they want to fight with us for the championship, so it is absolutely natural," he said.

"Manchester United, Arsenal, I can guess Liverpool, Newcastle, teams with power, I think it is normal they want to improve and fight with us for the championship. It is normal."

Chelsea fell behind when defender Geremi bundled a 33rd-minute Alan Shearer flick-on into his own net under pressure from Titus Bramble.

However, they were back on level terms within a minute when former Blues full-back Celestine Babayaro tangled with Eidur Gudjohnsen as he ran on to Jiri Jarosik's flick and referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot.

Frank Lampard slipped as he approached the ball, but did enough to lift it over Shay Given for his 19th goal of the season and 13th in the Premiership, the same as the combined totals of Shearer and strike partner Patrick Kluivert.

Souness would also not comment on reports the club have tabled a bid for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen. One bright note for Newcastle is Middlesbrough's draw at Manchester City earned them a UEFA Cup place, and that will mean the Magpies enter the Intertoto Cup at the third round stage instead of the second.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner made a personal check on Shay Given yesterday to satisfy himself of the keeper's fitness.

Bonner's presence at St James' Park indicated continued concern in the Irish camp with the World Cup qualifiers against Israel and Faroe Islands looming.

But manager Brian Kerr will be monitoring the fitness of Newcastle right-back Stephen Carr, after his half time withdrawal with a recurrence of a thigh injury.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr (Taylor 45), Boumsong, Bramble, Babayaro, Jenas, Ambrose, N'Zogbia, Milner, Shearer, Kluivert (Chopra 76).

CHELSEA: Cudicini, Geremi, Ricardo Carvalho, Huth, Johnson, Makelele, Jarosik (Watt 90), Tiago, Lampard, Cole (Nuno Morais 89), Gudjohnsen (Oliveira 84).

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).