Cech writes off title hopes

Petr Cech conceded winning the English Premier League title is out of the question for Chelsea after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City.

The Czech Republic international believes joint-leaders Manchester City and Manchester United are too good to let their 12-point advantage slip.

Cech says Chelsea’s target for the season must now be to secure third place by overhauling London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

“We don’t even have to mention the word ‘title’ because the Manchester clubs will not drop many points – that’s the reality,” Cech told the Chelsea website.

“I still think it is realistic to target the third sport, though. For that we will need to succeed in Sunday’s tough match (at home to United).”

Chelsea needed a stoppage-time equaliser to take a point from their trip to the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea player Neil Taylor turned Jose Bosingwa’s cross into his own net to cancel out a first-half strike from former Chelsea man Scott Sinclair.

Cech acknowledged his side, who had Ashley Cole sent off with four minutes remaining, had not been at their best during the first 45 minutes in south Wales, but felt they improved considerably as the match wore on.

“In the first half, we were not playing well at all but after the break it was completely different,” he said.

“We put Swansea under pressure, did not allow them to pass the ball at ease. However, once again we were unable to give the final pass into their box.”

“Even with 10 men we were pushing ourselves forward and the effort was rewarded with an equaliser in stoppage time.”

“Bosingwa’s shot was deflected by a Swansea player, so in the end we must take the point.”

“Naturally, we wanted to win but nobody has it easy playing at Swansea. They have lost just one home match this season.”