Chelsea's Cole enjoying tight title race

England defender Ashley Cole, seen here in December 2006. Cole believes a keenly-contested race for the Premiership title is better for the English game than when Chelsea walked away with the prize in the last two seasons.

Ashley Cole believes a keenly-contested race for the Premiership title is better for the English game than when Chelsea walked away with the prize in the last two seasons.

The Blues face Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday looking to maintain pressure on leaders Manchester United, who head the table by six points. This time last year Jose Mourinho's side were thinking about their summer holidays having established a near unassailable lead over their rivals.

Now life at Stamford Bridge is less comfortable as rumours of dressing room unrest and talk of Mourinho walking out this summer have dominated the back pages of the British tabloid newspapers.

Cole joined Chelsea from Arsenal last summer in perhaps the most bitter and protracted transfer saga in the history of English football.

The jury is out on his first six months at Chelsea, though he could prove invaluable in helping his new club overhaul United's lead, as he did before in his days at Highbury.

"It's better for the league that it's more open this year, even if I would prefer it if we were cruising it," said the England defender.

"It hasn't worked out like that because Manchester United bought some players and are in great form, while Liverpool and Arsenal have come right back into it just recently.

"I think it's a genuine four-horse race this season which makes it quite exciting for the league as a whole."

Cole was barracked by Arsenal fans when they played at Stamford Bridge in December after joining their fierce rivals for what they saw as no other reason than to boost his already healthy bank balance.

The 26-year-old admits, however, that he misses Arsenal and that his new manager Mourinho is not too dissimilar to his old mentor Arsene Wenger.

"I miss certain aspects of Arsenal - the players and the staff. But I'm enjoying myself here and I feel part of Chelsea now," he said.

"It's been easier for me to adapt than I expected because the training methods are quite similar and the two managers have quite a lot in common.

"They're both very honest and if you've done well or done badly, they will tell you to your face. I have got on well with both."

Chelsea will need to keep a check on Blackburn's front pairing of Benni McCarthy and Matt Derbyshire if they are to ensure no return of their form over the Christmas period, when both Reading and Fulham left Stamford Bridge with draws.

McCarthy played a major role in helping Mourinho land UEFA Cup and Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004, but is now well placed to put a major dent in his old manager's dream of landing a third successive Premiership title.

"We have great momentum now. Chelsea still haven't recovered from when they played Liverpool and we can capitalise on that," said McCarthy.

"Chelsea are one of the best teams in the world and it will be very very hard but we will go out there and try our best."