• Premier League

Cole believes title race is still wide open

Chelsea drew with Tottenham on Thursday © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Mancini sets City 90-point title target
  
• News: Villas-Boas praises focus of Terry
  
• News: Sturridge earns Chelsea a draw against Spurs
  
• Gallery: Tottenham v Chelsea

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole believes any one of five clubs can still win the Premier League after his side drew 1-1 with fellow title hopefuls Tottenham.

First-half goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Daniel Sturridge ensured both sides left with a point after an entertaining clash at White Hart Lane.

Although neither side really upped their title ambitions with three points, Cole insisted the quality on display was indicative of an unusually competitive tussle.

"The league is getting better and better," he told Sky Sports. "I think it's good. Tottenham have a great squad, a great team and they believe they can win it. The Manchester teams are doing well too. It could be any one of the top five.

"There are five teams up and around it and they all still have a chance, but we've got to hope top teams like Manchester City and Manchester United drop points."

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas praised captain John Terry for his performance on a night when the defender was once again in the spotlight having been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Terry was in position to clear the ball away from the line in injury-time when Adebayor looked to have won it for Spurs.

"Since the situation he has improved," Villas-Boas said. "He has grown in terms of performance. He's a reference point for this team. It shows his character and strength and personality. His effort for the collective is extraordinary."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was content with a point, but felt his side were hamstrung by the absence of Aaron Lennon on the right and the half-time exit of Rafael van der Vaart.

"In the end there were chances, some great chances at the end but certainly a point is a fair result," he said. "We lost Rafa at half-time and we really lost the balance of our team. We had to stick Luka (Modric) outside. It became a problem. Without Aaron around it's difficult to find a balance to your team."

What's your best Premier League XI of 2011? Let us know here

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.