WATCH OUT FERGIE

But Mourinho warned United boss Ferguson that champions Chelsea will fight every inch of the way. "Ferguson must be happy because we dropped two points, but if he thinks it's over, he's in trouble," said Mourinho. "He is in trouble because we are ready.

"To be in front is better but let's chase them. We showed atOld Trafford what a team we are. We are not afraid of them and we can beat them at Stamford Bridge. It's not open, it's more than open. We are ready for the fight."

Chelsea host Newcastle on Wednesday and Mourinho is confident of three points to cut the deficit to five.

"After Wednesday I hope we will be five points behind and that is with so many games to go," he said.

"We've a long way to go, so it's no problem. I am disappointed because I play every game to win, so when we draw it is two points lost. I am with my team and we are ready for the challenge."

Mourinho however was full of disdain for Arsenal's approach, claiming the Gunners were interested only in a draw.

"Only one team had any ambition to win," he said. "I was very surprised. If I was so far off the title race I would want to win every game. It's funny because it looks like co-operation, when a big team comes to Stamford Bridge and is so happy with a point.

"There was no doubting the quality of their football, their organisation. But ambition to win? No."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger angrily dismissed Mourinho's suggestion that his young side came just for a point.

"What does Mourinho want?" said Wenger. "The average age of the defence was 21. Overall we came very close to winning and I am frustrated because we wanted to win."

Wenger was particularly upset with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. "He was theatrical and exaggerated everything," said Wenger. "He tried to referee the game himself."

Mourinho had a long chat with referee Alan Wiley after the game but refused to reveal what he said.

"I tried to be polite and give him my message, which will remain between me and him," he said.

"If I was going to say everything that I disagreed with I would have been there for half an hour, not two minutes."

Ashley Cole was booed throughout by the Arsenal fans in his first match against his former club since his acrimonious move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Mourinho was happy with Cole's display, but felt it had been hampered by a booking midway through the first half.

He added: "It was a good performance. When you get a yellow card so early, you are on edge and you have to control yourself."