Alan Pardew says José Mourinho's back five was Chelsea's key to Premier League win

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has claimed that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool will need to "find a way to unlock the Chelsea back five" next season if they wan to beat the Blues for the Premier League title.

The Blues secured their fifth Premier League trophy on Sunday 3 May after beating the Eagles 1-0 thanks to Eden Hazard's rebounded penalty before half-time.

Pardew believes Mourinho's side deserve the title more than any other Premier League team not just because the talent of Player of the Year Hazard but especially because of their defence.

Asked after the game how the Premier League top team can beat the Blues next season, the manager said: "You need to find a way to unlock their back five, with the goalkeeper included.

"It is very difficult to score goals against them."

The manager believes that the Blues were amazing during the first part of the campaign while manage to finish the job in a more pragmatic second part of the season.

"They've had two defeats this year and that says it all. I don't think anyone moaned about their play in the first half of the season. Sometimes fantasy and flair go out of the way to win and they've done that in the second half of the season. That's why this guy [Mourinho] earns so much money, to win trophies.

"It will have to be a very good side to top this team next year. I'm sure Jose will add more depth in the summer as well."

Meanwhile, Pardew also hails the importance of Mourinho after the Blues conquered his third Premier League title, having won further two during his first spell at West London.

"That's why he (Mourinho) earns the money he does. He wins. He wins trophies and he will win them in any manner he thinks is right for that particular occasion.

"It will have to be a very good side that tops this team next year and I'm sure José will add to his depth as well."