Slow start can be fatal in race for the title

Jose Mourinho changed the rules of engagement.

Before his arrival as Chelsea manager in the summer of 2004 teams could start the season sluggishly and yet finish the campaign as champions.

The 2002-03 season was a classic case in point. Manchester United struggled in the early part of the campaign and still trailed defending champions Arsenal by eight points on March 2. Come May though, it was United who lifted the title, with the Gunners five points back in second.