Chelsea do not need to buy during window, says Mourinho

Chelsea's victory at Highbury on Sunday did not just end Arsenal's title ambitions for another season - it may also have confirmed Jose Mourinho's current belief that he does not need to add to his squad in the January transfer window.

Even with the departures of Michael Essien and Didier Drogba for the African Nations' Cup next month, Mourinho feels he has enough strength in depth to cope with any injuries to key players during their absence.

"I don't even think about new players," Mourinho said. "I don't want players in the open market in January. We know that destiny is in our hands."

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all to play each other in the run-in, while Chelsea, who are nine points clear at the top, have already visited each of their main rivals.

"We don't play again away from home against the three other top teams," Mourinho added. "We did it in Anfield, Highbury and Old Trafford, we don't have to go again and play the most difficult matches."

It was no coincidence that the return from injury of their influential midfielder Claude Makelele against Arsenal inspired Chelsea to their best performance of the season. Makelele looked as assured as ever and while the presence of the Ivory Coast striker Drogba will be missed, Hernan Crespo is an able replacement.