Now they'll have to raise themselves for a clash with the new champions in the FA Cup final, or they'll win nothing, like Arsenal, who also did well today.
90
Chelsea were fantastic. What a gutsy comeback. But it's all in vain.
Full time
It's all over. Manchester United are worthy champions again
90
Eboue hits the crossbar. It's thrilling stuff this. The dying seconds.
90
And now Lehmann makes an absolutely stunning save. What a save. Fantastic. Chelsea nearly won it then from Kalou.
90
There's four minutes of stoppage time. Hleb is through...great save
89
Yellow Card
Essien grabs himself a yellow card. But that matters little at this stage of the day
87
Three minutes to go. It's all Chelsea. Lampard shoots but that was poor. He's had a long season.
85
And then the German punches the ball to the half-way line. He is having to hold this Arsenal team together now.
85
Lehmann just about gets rid of that. It was a dangerous shot from Lampard.
84
We might even see Cech making a foray forward in a couple of minutes.
84
The impetus is definitely back with the visitors. They have shown immense character in equalising, whatever happens now.
83
That's a foul from Baptista. Free-kick to Chelsea, but not in a dangerous position.
79
Hoyte's in at right-back with the mission of keeping new-arrival Sinclair quiet. The Chelsea teen is rather quick by all accounts.
79
These 10-men are making their fans very proud now, but Arsenal have 10 minutes to hold on for the point.
78
Substitution
And for Chelsea, Wright-Phillips makes way for Scott Sinclair. Surely he can't get the winner? That would be dream stuff.
78
Substitution
More changes. Justin Hoyte is on for Diaby for Arsenal.
76
Joe Cole gets the ball in the back of the net. Lovely finish but he was off side.
75
That definitely should have been a goal. Chelsea are very lucky to be level. But Arsenal were lucky to lead, so all-square all round.
74
Substitution
Lassana Diarra is introduced. Mikel leaves the action.
74
Arsenal counter-attack, but it's that age-old criticism again, as Hleb dwells instead of shooting.
70
Essien had been trying to drive this team on since the break. He has turned into some player.
70
That was against the run of play, but Chelsea won't care about that one bit.
70
Goal
1-1. Michael Essien sneaks in and heads home a beautiful ball from Shaun Wright-Phillips to equalise. Is there late hope?
66
William Gallas has a glorious chance to head home an Arsenal corner, but it's over. The Chelsea fans wouldn't have enjoyed that had it been a llittle lower!
65
Arsenal are enjoying the number-advantage on this big pitch. Kalou looks completely isolated up on his own.
65
Looks like United are champions then. Especially if Arsenal get another. Baptista tries an over-head kick, but that one isn't a threat.
63
That's clever football from Fabregas, but it comes to nothing. Chelsea are going to have to make a change soon.
62
Diaby looks to inject some power into the game, and Chelsea look like a tired and defeated team already.
60
Chelsea aren't without attacking options on the bench. Scott Sinclair is warming up so it could be his first chance to impress.
59
Substitution
The first change, as injury to Denilson forces the Brazilian off. Looks like his ankle. Alexander Hleb replaces him.
55
Lampard has a crack from distance, but that is well off target. Disappointing.
53
This is a quiet spell for Chelsea. They are lagging.
49
Yellow Card
Adebayor is booked now. He fouled Ferreira.
47
That's clever from Adebayor, who peels off the main group of players at a set-piece, but his shot swerves just wide
Second half
Arsenal start the second half. Chelsea need a quick response.
45
If Essien has to drop deeper now then Chelsea may well lose control in midfield. That could resort to a lot of long balls, and without Drogba to collect them, it could play into Arsenal's hands.
45
Boulahrouz has a reputation as a hot-head, but that was distinctly harsh. It's his first red since joining Chelsea and it leaves his team with a mountain to climb.
Half time
No more action at the Emirates. Arsenal lead 1-0 at half-time thanks to that Gilberto spot-kick.
45
If Chelsea win the title again now then they are a truly great team. The odds are stacking up against them.
45
It was a soft penalty to concede and John Terry is fuming.
45
Could that be the end of the Blues' ever-decreasing title hopes? Looks that way at the moment.
44
Goal
Gilberto converts the penalty. 1-0 Arsenal.
43
Red Card
It's hotting up now. Penalty. And Boulahrouz is sent off for a foul on Baptista.
42
Any spectator would have to say the Blues' forwards look lost without Drogba.
40
For all Chelsea's control of the game and clever use of the wings, Arsenal are defending very well and have had the best chance by a distance.
40
Adebayor has another half-chance as Boulahrouz allows him space, but this one is off-target and no threat
37
Adebayor finally gets a shot on target, but it is straight at Cech's feet and the keeper sees Eboue fail with the rebound
36
Emmanuel Eboue skins marker Bridge and flashes a dangerous cross in, but Terry's boot skims it away and to safety.
34
Cole breaks again, but finding himself in space he plays the ball across the mouth of the goal - there's no one there!
33
Joe Cole blasts one into the crowd. No danger of a goal with that shooting.
31
Yellow Card
Mikel has his name taken somewhat harshly. Ref Alan Wiley indicates it is for persistent fouls.
30
Lampard forces a couple of successive half-chances, then Arsenal counter-attack and Boulahrouz slips, but recovers in the nick of time.
28
The game needs a goal, but it doesn't look especially imminent.
28
Baptista mis-hits a shot and Adebayor looks to follow up with a dainty flick. No problems for Chelsea there.
27
So Drogba's absence will not help in that unattainable quest. Their remaining fixtures (United and Everton) are not the kinds of teams to leak goals either.
26
Chelsea need to find 17 goals from somewhere to catch up with Manchester United's goal difference.
24
Adebayor brings the ball down inside the Chelsea area, but his control isn't good enough and the Blues' defence mops up.
22
Chelsea deserve something for their endeavours. You have to wonder if they may have done better with Drogba leading their line.
22
Joe Cole takes on Kolo Toure and the latter has to get it our for another Chelsea corner. It's deep, but Mikel can't get it and Arsenal break.
21
Adebayor collects from Fabregas' dummy, but the Togolese tries to find the Spaniard again and Chelsea cut it out.
18
Arsenal are much more centrally-based, with the somewhat gangly figure of Adebayor their spear-head. Baptista has done nothing yet.
18
At least Chelsea have put some crosses in. They are definitely looking to get balls in from the flanks.
16
No shots on goal yet. Arsenal have hardly created anything in terms of opportunities.
16
Arsenal nearly catch Chelsea out there, as they get to play on after a foul by John Terry. Chelsea were expecting a free-kick.
14
Chelsea are committing their full-backs and really asking questions. Ferreira earns a corner, but Lehmann gathers it up.
11
Wright-Phillips probes Clichy's pace, but the Frenchman does admirably and gets the ball out for a throw.
10
Fabregas dinks a clever ball into the box with Abou Diaby prowling, but Petr Cech copes with that.
9
There are a lot of African international players on show today: which begs the question how will these teams cope next season, with an African Nations Cup looming.
7
Kalou is deemed to be offside, but Joe Cole does well in the build-up despite a couple of rough challenges.
6
Ferreira clears under pressure, as Arsenal look to build something.
4
Now Toure defends well, nicking that one away from Salomon Kalou.
4
Ferreira tries to put Joe Cole in, but Gael Clichy reads that well.
3
The Emirates crowd are particularly vocal. It certainly means something to them.
1
Essien is limping a little, but that was a really important touch by the steady Gilberto.
1
Kalou puts Arsenal under pressure immediately, side-stepping in the box. Essien slides in but Gilberto made a great tackle.
Kickoff
And we're off, with the Premiership title race potentially ending for another season in 90 minutes time.
Awaiting Kickoff
The last time these sides met was in the controversial League Cup final. Three players were sent off late on in that game after the brawl.
Awaiting Kickoff
Whetever happens today, it should be a good game. Although Arsenal have little to play for in some respects, they haven't had a chance for revenge.
Awaiting Kickoff
But Arsene Wenger's team hasn't beaten Chelsea at home in the league since October of 2003.
Awaiting Kickoff
But Arsenal, whose own season has been more or less over for weeks, would love to have a say in the race by finally getting one over on their London rivals.
Awaiting Kickoff
So Chelsea may well have to hand their Premier League trophy over to Man United on Wednesday night - if they don't win today and then.
Awaiting Kickoff
Arsenal's bench is rather more defensive, with Justin Hoyte, Johann Djourou and Phillipe Senderos all keeping it warm.
Awaiting Kickoff
A notable name on the Chelsea bench is one Scott Sinclair: an 18-year-old forward who previously spent a spell on loan at Plymouth.
Awaiting Kickoff
Along with Drogba and Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack are three high-profile names not on the team-sheet.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea, who need to win to keep their slim title hopes alive, have their fair share of players out too.
Awaiting Kickoff
So Arsenal still without Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Mathieu Flamini and Jeremie Aliadiere through injuries.
Awaiting Kickoff
He clearly felt Tomas Rosicky was not fit enough. The Czech midfielder had a fitness test on his hamstring yesterday.
Awaiting Kickoff
Arsene Wenger correctly predicted Cole would not be involved this afternoon.
Awaiting Kickoff
The home side make just the one change. Alex Hleb sits this one out on the bench, with Brazilian youngster Denilson starting
Awaiting Kickoff
Looks like Drogba is injured, and with the cup final and the key game against Manchester United approaching, that explains his ommission
Awaiting Kickoff
And Claude Makelele is on the bench, with Khalid Boulahrouz replacing him in the line-up.
Awaiting Kickoff
There are two more changes for Chelsea. Ashley Cole is injured, so Wayne Bridge is in for the former Arsenal left-back.
Awaiting Kickoff
The giant Ivory Coast striker is not even on the bench, so his place in the Chelsea team goes to Shaun Wright-Phillips
Awaiting Kickoff
The teams are in for this huge clash at the Emirates, where Didier Drogba will not be involved today
Arsenal
Chelsea
Now they'll have to raise themselves for a clash with the new champions in the FA Cup final, or they'll win nothing, like Arsenal, who also did well today.
Chelsea were fantastic. What a gutsy comeback. But it's all in vain.
Full time
It's all over. Manchester United are worthy champions again
Eboue hits the crossbar. It's thrilling stuff this. The dying seconds.
And now Lehmann makes an absolutely stunning save. What a save. Fantastic. Chelsea nearly won it then from Kalou.
There's four minutes of stoppage time. Hleb is through...great save
Yellow Card
Essien grabs himself a yellow card. But that matters little at this stage of the day
Three minutes to go. It's all Chelsea. Lampard shoots but that was poor. He's had a long season.
And then the German punches the ball to the half-way line. He is having to hold this Arsenal team together now.
Lehmann just about gets rid of that. It was a dangerous shot from Lampard.
We might even see Cech making a foray forward in a couple of minutes.
The impetus is definitely back with the visitors. They have shown immense character in equalising, whatever happens now.
That's a foul from Baptista. Free-kick to Chelsea, but not in a dangerous position.
Hoyte's in at right-back with the mission of keeping new-arrival Sinclair quiet. The Chelsea teen is rather quick by all accounts.
These 10-men are making their fans very proud now, but Arsenal have 10 minutes to hold on for the point.
Substitution
And for Chelsea, Wright-Phillips makes way for Scott Sinclair. Surely he can't get the winner? That would be dream stuff.
Substitution
More changes. Justin Hoyte is on for Diaby for Arsenal.
Joe Cole gets the ball in the back of the net. Lovely finish but he was off side.
That definitely should have been a goal. Chelsea are very lucky to be level. But Arsenal were lucky to lead, so all-square all round.
Substitution
Lassana Diarra is introduced. Mikel leaves the action.
Arsenal counter-attack, but it's that age-old criticism again, as Hleb dwells instead of shooting.
Essien had been trying to drive this team on since the break. He has turned into some player.
That was against the run of play, but Chelsea won't care about that one bit.
Goal
1-1. Michael Essien sneaks in and heads home a beautiful ball from Shaun Wright-Phillips to equalise. Is there late hope?
William Gallas has a glorious chance to head home an Arsenal corner, but it's over. The Chelsea fans wouldn't have enjoyed that had it been a llittle lower!
Arsenal are enjoying the number-advantage on this big pitch. Kalou looks completely isolated up on his own.
Looks like United are champions then. Especially if Arsenal get another. Baptista tries an over-head kick, but that one isn't a threat.
That's clever football from Fabregas, but it comes to nothing. Chelsea are going to have to make a change soon.
Diaby looks to inject some power into the game, and Chelsea look like a tired and defeated team already.
Chelsea aren't without attacking options on the bench. Scott Sinclair is warming up so it could be his first chance to impress.
Substitution
The first change, as injury to Denilson forces the Brazilian off. Looks like his ankle. Alexander Hleb replaces him.
Lampard has a crack from distance, but that is well off target. Disappointing.
This is a quiet spell for Chelsea. They are lagging.
Yellow Card
Adebayor is booked now. He fouled Ferreira.
That's clever from Adebayor, who peels off the main group of players at a set-piece, but his shot swerves just wide
Second half
Arsenal start the second half. Chelsea need a quick response.
If Essien has to drop deeper now then Chelsea may well lose control in midfield. That could resort to a lot of long balls, and without Drogba to collect them, it could play into Arsenal's hands.
Boulahrouz has a reputation as a hot-head, but that was distinctly harsh. It's his first red since joining Chelsea and it leaves his team with a mountain to climb.
Half time
No more action at the Emirates. Arsenal lead 1-0 at half-time thanks to that Gilberto spot-kick.
If Chelsea win the title again now then they are a truly great team. The odds are stacking up against them.
It was a soft penalty to concede and John Terry is fuming.
Could that be the end of the Blues' ever-decreasing title hopes? Looks that way at the moment.
Goal
Gilberto converts the penalty. 1-0 Arsenal.
Red Card
It's hotting up now. Penalty. And Boulahrouz is sent off for a foul on Baptista.
Any spectator would have to say the Blues' forwards look lost without Drogba.
For all Chelsea's control of the game and clever use of the wings, Arsenal are defending very well and have had the best chance by a distance.
Adebayor has another half-chance as Boulahrouz allows him space, but this one is off-target and no threat
Adebayor finally gets a shot on target, but it is straight at Cech's feet and the keeper sees Eboue fail with the rebound
Emmanuel Eboue skins marker Bridge and flashes a dangerous cross in, but Terry's boot skims it away and to safety.
Cole breaks again, but finding himself in space he plays the ball across the mouth of the goal - there's no one there!
Joe Cole blasts one into the crowd. No danger of a goal with that shooting.
Yellow Card
Mikel has his name taken somewhat harshly. Ref Alan Wiley indicates it is for persistent fouls.
Lampard forces a couple of successive half-chances, then Arsenal counter-attack and Boulahrouz slips, but recovers in the nick of time.
The game needs a goal, but it doesn't look especially imminent.
Baptista mis-hits a shot and Adebayor looks to follow up with a dainty flick. No problems for Chelsea there.
So Drogba's absence will not help in that unattainable quest. Their remaining fixtures (United and Everton) are not the kinds of teams to leak goals either.
Chelsea need to find 17 goals from somewhere to catch up with Manchester United's goal difference.
Adebayor brings the ball down inside the Chelsea area, but his control isn't good enough and the Blues' defence mops up.
Chelsea deserve something for their endeavours. You have to wonder if they may have done better with Drogba leading their line.
Joe Cole takes on Kolo Toure and the latter has to get it our for another Chelsea corner. It's deep, but Mikel can't get it and Arsenal break.
Adebayor collects from Fabregas' dummy, but the Togolese tries to find the Spaniard again and Chelsea cut it out.
Arsenal are much more centrally-based, with the somewhat gangly figure of Adebayor their spear-head. Baptista has done nothing yet.
At least Chelsea have put some crosses in. They are definitely looking to get balls in from the flanks.
No shots on goal yet. Arsenal have hardly created anything in terms of opportunities.
Arsenal nearly catch Chelsea out there, as they get to play on after a foul by John Terry. Chelsea were expecting a free-kick.
Chelsea are committing their full-backs and really asking questions. Ferreira earns a corner, but Lehmann gathers it up.
Wright-Phillips probes Clichy's pace, but the Frenchman does admirably and gets the ball out for a throw.
Fabregas dinks a clever ball into the box with Abou Diaby prowling, but Petr Cech copes with that.
There are a lot of African international players on show today: which begs the question how will these teams cope next season, with an African Nations Cup looming.
Kalou is deemed to be offside, but Joe Cole does well in the build-up despite a couple of rough challenges.
Ferreira clears under pressure, as Arsenal look to build something.
Now Toure defends well, nicking that one away from Salomon Kalou.
Ferreira tries to put Joe Cole in, but Gael Clichy reads that well.
The Emirates crowd are particularly vocal. It certainly means something to them.
Essien is limping a little, but that was a really important touch by the steady Gilberto.
Kalou puts Arsenal under pressure immediately, side-stepping in the box. Essien slides in but Gilberto made a great tackle.
Kickoff
And we're off, with the Premiership title race potentially ending for another season in 90 minutes time.
Awaiting Kickoff
The last time these sides met was in the controversial League Cup final. Three players were sent off late on in that game after the brawl.
Awaiting Kickoff
Whetever happens today, it should be a good game. Although Arsenal have little to play for in some respects, they haven't had a chance for revenge.
Awaiting Kickoff
But Arsene Wenger's team hasn't beaten Chelsea at home in the league since October of 2003.
Awaiting Kickoff
But Arsenal, whose own season has been more or less over for weeks, would love to have a say in the race by finally getting one over on their London rivals.
Awaiting Kickoff
So Chelsea may well have to hand their Premier League trophy over to Man United on Wednesday night - if they don't win today and then.
Awaiting Kickoff
Arsenal's bench is rather more defensive, with Justin Hoyte, Johann Djourou and Phillipe Senderos all keeping it warm.
Awaiting Kickoff
A notable name on the Chelsea bench is one Scott Sinclair: an 18-year-old forward who previously spent a spell on loan at Plymouth.
Awaiting Kickoff
Along with Drogba and Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack are three high-profile names not on the team-sheet.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea, who need to win to keep their slim title hopes alive, have their fair share of players out too.
Awaiting Kickoff
So Arsenal still without Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Mathieu Flamini and Jeremie Aliadiere through injuries.
Awaiting Kickoff
He clearly felt Tomas Rosicky was not fit enough. The Czech midfielder had a fitness test on his hamstring yesterday.
Awaiting Kickoff
Arsene Wenger correctly predicted Cole would not be involved this afternoon.
Awaiting Kickoff
The home side make just the one change. Alex Hleb sits this one out on the bench, with Brazilian youngster Denilson starting
Awaiting Kickoff
Looks like Drogba is injured, and with the cup final and the key game against Manchester United approaching, that explains his ommission
Awaiting Kickoff
And Claude Makelele is on the bench, with Khalid Boulahrouz replacing him in the line-up.
Awaiting Kickoff
There are two more changes for Chelsea. Ashley Cole is injured, so Wayne Bridge is in for the former Arsenal left-back.
Awaiting Kickoff
The giant Ivory Coast striker is not even on the bench, so his place in the Chelsea team goes to Shaun Wright-Phillips
Awaiting Kickoff
The teams are in for this huge clash at the Emirates, where Didier Drogba will not be involved today