On the same day, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City were relegated, joining Sunderland in the Championship for the following season.

Many have argued that this was due mainly to the comparatively early season start and the Ashes Test cricket series which caught the nation's imagination and which England went on to win.

Other possible reasons are continued escalation of ticket prices and the increasing number of games shown on television (which has had the knock on effect of greater variation in kick-off times).

[citation needed] Chelsea's early season form with 14 wins out of 16 gave the champions an unequivocal head start.

With Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool falling way short of their expectations before Christmas, Chelsea had effectively become champions-elect by early 2006.

However, a shock home draw with bottom of the table Sunderland at Old Trafford killed United's title hopes.

The momentum was back with Chelsea who didn't need a second bite at the apple with wins over Bolton, Everton and finally Manchester United giving the west Londoners their second successive championship under Mourinho.

They replaced Crystal Palace, Norwich City (both teams relegated to the Championship after a season's presence) and Southampton (ending their top flight spell of twenty-seven years).

[citation needed] Thierry Henry was named the winner of the Premier League Golden Boot award.

[15][16] Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina won the Premier League Golden Glove award for the first time.