Arsenal have already conceded the Premiership crown to Chelsea. Manager Arsene Wenger effectively threw in the towel after Wednesday night's goalless draw with the current leaders at Stamford Bridge.

The Highbury boss even insisted he knew the title race was over before they arrived at the ground for top-of-the-table clash.

Even though it is still mathematically possible for the reigning champions to overhaul Chelsea's 11-point lead and retain their crown, Wenger admitted that, in his eyes at least, it is all over.

Wenger declared: "Chelsea will be worthy champions because they have been remarkably consistent. That is the most difficult thing to do in top sport.

"We have to congratulate them for what they have achieved. They will be champions. The fact they did not lose here means they will be champions - unless somebody puts a bomb here," he joked.

"It will take a huge accident for them not to be champions. We want to win every game but we will not be champions this year. We knew that when we came here but we have our pride and want to finish as close as we can to Chelsea."

Wenger's admission came after an enthralling clash that produced some breathtaking one-touch football. Both sides created enough chances to have won the game. Arsenal's Robert Pires hit the crossbar inside two minutes with a thunderous volley and then shot wide when Chelsea failed to clear their lines moments later.

Chelsea's assistant manager Steve Clarke was delighted with the point and then urged the fans to be patient as they continue their quest to land their first title in 50 years.

Victory over Fulham on Saturday will leave them with the chance to realise their dreams by beating Bolton at the Reebok Stadium in nine days' time - unless Arsenal fail to beat Spurs on Monday night.

Clarke said: "I thought it was a good game between two top sides. The fans have to be patient and look forward to us being champions.

"Jose is happy - it was a good result for us and keeps the gap at 11 points. It is going to be difficult for anybody to catch us now. The manager is happy and so are the players.

"We are getting there slowly. It didn't matter when we win it. It would have been great to have done that on Saturday but we can't.

"We didn't expect Arsenal to roll over but I thought we created the better chances on the night. They started well but we settled down and matched their possession. A draw was a much better result for us than them as a win would have given them more incentive."

Meanwhile, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and John Terry should share the "Player of the Year" award.

The pair have been shortlisted for the Professional Footballers' Association honour but the Swede was reluctant to select a winner.

Eriksson said: "I have known both players for a long time and I would say they have one thing in common. They have grown into real big football players.

"They have developed from being young talent into important players at the highest level to the extent that they could now play in any team in the world.

"Who would I vote for? Honestly, I couldn't pick one above the other. Seriously, I would share the award this year."