Robben: we’ll reel in United

CHELSEA’S Dutch winger Arjen Robben insists the reigning champions are confident about retaining the Barclays Premiership crown even though they trail Manchester United by five points.

Robben was impressive in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and was only denied a goal by the thickness of an upright as the Blues closed the gap on United at the top.

Coach Jose Mourinho claims he is enjoying the new experience of chasing a team during December and Robben is adamant the title will stay in west London.

Robben declared: “The last two years were different because we were first quite early and kept it.

“Now we are five points behind so we have to make our way up and chase Manchester United. Five points for us is not a problem. There is a long way to go and we are still very confident about winning the title.”

Chelsea struggled to break down a stubborn Newcastle outfit that began the game without a dozen recognised first-team players due to a disastrous injury list.

Mourinho, who left both Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko on the bench at the start of the game, was forced to call both into action as the game looked like ending goalless.

Drogba, nursing a hamstring strain, slid the ball home for the decisive goal in the 74th minute and Robben insists Chelsea are not afraid to make more changes if necessary as they chase the Red Devils.

Robben declared: “Sometimes you have to make the changes to win the game. We were not playing well in the first half and were not that sharp, maybe because of the game against Arsenal on Sunday.

“We said at half-time we needed to step up and in the second half we played better, created more chances and finally scored the goal.

“The manager didn’t need to say much because everybody knew we were not playing at our best level. The three points were crucial and sometimes you have to work a little bit harder.

“It was not about sending a message to Manchester United. We have to concentrate on our own game, focus and keep winning.

“There’s still such a long way to go and United have to play a lot of difficult games as well.

“So we just have to keep winning, game by game. That’s all we can do.”