As they always say – whoever they are – the League table does not lie and Chelsea are worthy winners of the Premier League this year, no question. That they clinched it on the final day by putting eight goals past Wigan Athletic just underlines the impact and changes new manager Carlo Ancelotti has made at the club.

Chelsea lift the 2009/2010 Premier League title

It was the fourth time this season they have put seven or more goals past the opposition – a feat a Mourinho-managed side would not have accomplished. If you are a Chelsea supporter you can only enjoy the football this Chelsea side now produces on a regular basis and yesterday’s performance, under some pressure at least to get a result on the last day, also reveals a more relaxed group of players – Ancelotti induced, we’re sure.

On a day when Manchester United did what they had to do, beating Stoke City by four goals to nil, it was up to Chelsea to make sure they didn’t throw away the title. They did so emphatically. There was no air of panic at Stamford Bridge, no hint they might falter against, with no disrespect to Wigan, a much inferior side. They went out, got the job done then celebrated in earnest.

Sir Alex Ferguson pointed to one bad week in which they lost to Bayern Munich and Chelsea as the reason for his side’s failure to keep their destiny in their own hands, but Chelsea have had their problems to deal with also.

The John Terry and Ashley Cole affairs (pardon the pun) could have destabilised the dressing room – Terry was certainly destabilised for a while, his form dipping enough for some to question his place in England’s World Cup squad. Cracks seemed to be appearing with defeats against Inter Milan (much enjoyed by Jose Mourinho) and Tottenham and the ever-troublesome Didier Drogba tested Ancelotti’s not inconsiderable man-management skills all season.

In fact, Drogba was causing trouble yesterday. Chasing the Golden Boot he wanted to take Chelsea’s 32nd minute penalty but Lampard, mindful of the slim one goal lead they had at the time, was having none of it. He stepped up to convert as the club’s first choice penalty taker – cue a tantrum from Drogba that was still going on at half time.

At 5-0 up Chelsea were awarded another penalty. This time Lampard stepped aside to allow Drogba to score his second of what would eventually become a hat trick to round off a great season for him – and yes, he won the Golden Boot from Rooney, who was unable to add to his tally in Manchester.

It is to Manchester United’s credit that they kept the race going until the final day. Ask any Manchester United fan and they will tell you that the team hasn’t been at their best all season. Their characteristic flair and poise has been lacking for much of the season. A defensive frailty has crept in as well, not helped by the near decimation of their usual unit which saw them field midfielders Flecther and Carrick and an untested De Laet alongside their only proper defender Evra in a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

Rio Ferdinand’s ongoing back problems have seen him play only 12 Premiership games this season and the right back position was a problem until a rejuvenated Gary Neville made it his own late on.

Yet despite all this, as well as the loss of Ronaldo to Real Madrid, United were there on the last day with a slim chance of clinching an unprecedented fourth title in a row and, more importantly to United supporters, a 19th overall, surpassing rivals Liverpool as the most successful team in the country.

It wasn’t to be, however. Chelsea’s juggernaut ploughed through Wigan and ended any hope Ferguson and his team had. Ancelotti’s combination of a cool head and attacking instincts were enough to see Chelsea over the line. Ferguson’s message to the supporters after the game at Old Trafford was emphatic – “We go again” he said, his sights already set on next season.

You can bet they will, as well, but Chelsea will be waiting.

Sporting Fare congratulates Chelsea on a well earned title. They now turn their attention to the FA Cup and a potential Double. We’ll report on that, but we’re also turning our attention to the FIFA World Cup. It’s going to be a great summer!