Chelsea: Jose Mourinho issues Arsenal jibe as Blues edge closer to Premier League title

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has issued a withering response to those who accused his side of being boring during a dour 0-0 stalemate with Arsenal.

The Premier League leaders are within touching distance of their first title since 2010 with that hard-earned point at the Emirates Stadium on 26 April, although the defensive-minded nature of their display, particularly in the second half, led to certain sections of the home support expressing their frustration.

"I think boring is 10 years without a title - that's boring. If you support a club and you wait, wait, wait for so many years without a Premier League title, then that's boring," Mourinho was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

The Chelsea boss even went as far as to question Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's own tactical decisions, suggesting the jibes from the home fans might easily have been targeted at their own team and Wenger's tactical choices after central striker Olivier Giroud was replaced by Theo Walcott with just six minutes of the match remaining.

"Maybe Arsenal's fans were not singing to us. When you want to win the game and you take your striker Olivier Giroud off maybe they want more, maybe they want Giroud and Theo Walcott up front."

This was the 13th fixture that Wenger has failed to record a victory over a team led by Mourinho and the jubilant celebrations from a number of Chelsea players at the final whistle suggested they are only too aware of the significance of the result.

John Terry in particular appeared delighted with his side's rearguard display and his outstanding performance was hailed by Mourinho as the best his captain had shown during the six years he has been under his management.

Chelsea, who can now boast the PFA player of the year in Eden Hazard, possess a 10-point lead atop of the Premier League and travel to Leicester City on 29 April.

If they can beat Nigel Pearson's rejuvenated side and repeat the feat against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge four days later, their success will be guaranteed.

For Arsenal, the focus now will be on ensuring they are able to secure second place ahead of both Manchester clubs before strengthening their squad sufficiently this summer in order to mount a sustained title push next term.