NEW RULES CONFIRMED

"Our target was to finish this period with a situation where we could do it [win the Premiership]. If you had told me 10 weeks ago three points was the difference now I would be very happy with that. If you had told me this morning I would have said no.

"But we are in a situation to fight for the Premiership, even against new football rules. One rule is you're not allowed penalties against Man United, and another rule is you're not allowed to give penalties in favour of Chelsea.

"You have seen the matches in the past week. It is or it isn't a penalty against Sheffield United? It is or it isn't a penalty against Middlesbrough?

"Is it a penalty or not against Stephen Carr for handball in this game? You are speaking about three big decisions. Decisions that cost points.

"If you ask me though if Chelsea deserve to win this game then, no, I don't think so. I'm super proud of the players and their effort and I cannot ask them for more but Newcastle were fresher, they were always dangerous on the counter attack and they had some good performances in Bramble and Taylor in defence. I think they deserve to get their point no doubt about it.

"We can talk about the game or we can talk about the game where, after the 10th minute, Chelsea are winning the game 1-0. We have to face difficult opponents, yes, and also new football rules. United are forbidden to lose."