LONDON, AP:

THE longest title drought of Jose Mourinho's managerial career ended, and the prospects of League Cup glory being followed by Premier League glory also improved yesterday.

Before Premier League leader Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 in the first final of the English season, second-place Manchester City lost 2-1 at Liverpool.

So Chelsea's players paraded the cup at Wembley Stadium knowing that, in the quest for the biggest domestic prize, Chelsea has a five-point lead with a game in hand.

"It's very important for me, I had the same feelings as my first final, I don't know how many years ago," Mourinho said. "It's important for me to feel a kid at 52 years old."

Mourinho's first triumph since winning the 2012 Spanish title with Real Madrid, and ensured his second season back at Chelsea will not end trophyless like his first. "For the club, it's one more cup," Mourinho said. "But it's the first one of a new team."

Oldest player

It was the oldest player in the starting line-up, though, who scored the opening goal at Wembley Stadium: John Terry.

With the aid of a ricochet off Tottenham defender Eric Dier, the 34-year-old captain netted from close range past Hugo Lloris just before half-time. Diego Costa's attempted shot then span into the net off Kyle Walker's outstretched leg in the 56th minute.

Arsenal finished the weekend still in third place, a point ahead of Manchester United, after beating Everton 2-0.

Olivier Giroud, who missed several chances in a 3-1 Champions League loss to Monaco on Wednesday, rediscovered his scoring touch at the Emirates Stadium, volleying in Mesut Ozil's corner in the 39th.

Tomas Rosicky's deflected shot in the 89th completed a seventh win in eight league games.