Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says his side took too long to recover from their slump to challenge Manchester United

Petr Cech – Chelsea (PA)

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has admitted his side’s mid-season slump cost them the Premier League title this year.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side picked up just 10 points in 11 matches at the start of 2011 and were consigned to relinquishing their title after defeat at Old Trafford last weekend.

The Czech stopper told BBC Sport: “In December and January we dropped so many points and gave advantage to the others, especially Manchester United.

“We had a great last two months and managed to come back, and it was a pity we could not win the game at Old Trafford.”

The former Rennes keeper also conceded that Manchester United, their likely successors as Premier League Champions, had been less erratic than Chelsea throughout the season and so deserved their crown.

“If you look at the season as a whole, they were more consistent, which is why they have the title,” he added.

Cech also accepted that it is often hard to pinpoint the reasons why they could not build on the success of last season’s league and cup double.

He said: “It is difficult because when you are at a big club with a lot of expectations you want to constantly win things.

“Sometimes it is a hard job to do, but sometimes this is the way it is in football.

“As a player, you try your best to make things happen and the rest is up to others.”