FA Cup final: Chelsea defeat Everton at Wembley
The oldest professional football tournament in the world was played at Wembley on May 30 in smouldering heat, and witnessed Chelsea lifting its FA Cup trophy in a dramatic encounter against the Blues from Merseyside.
Two goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard secured the silverware for the Londoners after Everton opened the score 26 seconds after kick off. It was a deserved victory for Chelsea, and a battling performance by Everton, who bowed out gallantly in the end.
Everton were hoping to retain their sixth FA Cup trophy, but instead became the team that lost eight FA Cup finals in their history. The match started promisingly for the northerners who opened the score through Louis Saha's sensational early strike, less than half a minute into the proceedings.
But Chelsea's superiority in class inevitably showed as they gradually recaptured possession in midfield and controlled most of the action in the centre. Everton players displayed tremendous work-rate, determination and spirit but they were simply insufficient to cope with Chelsea's class.
Saha's goal was the fastest ever in a Wembley cup final. But if the goal arrived early, then the equaliser also wasn’t too long in coming, with Nicolas Anelka delivering a fine ball on the left flank towards Malouda and then the Frenchman dispatching a fine cross in the middle of the penalty area which was intercepted by Didier Drogba, who powered the ball in the net, making it 1-1 in the 20th minute.
Toffees boss David Moyes made substitutions at half time in an attempt to reshuffle the formation and cause more problems for Chelsea. Hibbert was subbed for Lars Jacobsen, while Tim Cahill, who was deployed in a rather unorthodox backward position which deprived him of his typical aggressive surges forward, was shifted up front.
The moves bore little fruit, however, as when the game resumed Chelsea continued to dominate possession. Nicolas Anelka could have scored after ending up clear on goal on the left flank, but he lobbed the ball over the bar instead. Everton did fight back, and will have a reason to regret a couple of missed opportunities of their own.
Cahill, now deployed further forward in attack, produced a long range half-volley, an ambitious strike which was not too far from the truth. Leighton Baines then whipped the ball into the Chelsea area and Saha's header flew only inches over the bar.
In the 72nd minute however, Frank Lampard scored the winner, ending the dream of Everton to win a trophy this season. Lampard’s goal also ensured that Chelsea will bid farewell to Guus Hiddink with a trophy. Lampard wrong footed the Toffee back four before slotting in home a left-foot shot that Tim Howard got fingers to but couldn't keep out.
Hiddink rescued Chelsea’s season, and there was always the possibility that the team could have accomplished more in this campaign. He has repeatedly said that he has obligations towards Russia and that he must return and fulfil them. Hiddink also hinted that he doesn’t want this to be his swan song with English football. In turn, Chelsea supporters have expressed their admiration and respect for the Dutchman, and have repeatedly called for him to stay.
Perhaps the bug of English football has had an effect on the Dutch tactician? Is there another Hiddink-Chelsea chapter in the books, past this one?
Two goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard secured the silverware for the Londoners after Everton opened the score 26 seconds after kick off. It was a deserved victory for Chelsea, and a battling performance by Everton, who bowed out gallantly in the end.
Everton were hoping to retain their sixth FA Cup trophy, but instead became the team that lost eight FA Cup finals in their history. The match started promisingly for the northerners who opened the score through Louis Saha's sensational early strike, less than half a minute into the proceedings.
But Chelsea's superiority in class inevitably showed as they gradually recaptured possession in midfield and controlled most of the action in the centre. Everton players displayed tremendous work-rate, determination and spirit but they were simply insufficient to cope with Chelsea's class.
Saha's goal was the fastest ever in a Wembley cup final. But if the goal arrived early, then the equaliser also wasn’t too long in coming, with Nicolas Anelka delivering a fine ball on the left flank towards Malouda and then the Frenchman dispatching a fine cross in the middle of the penalty area which was intercepted by Didier Drogba, who powered the ball in the net, making it 1-1 in the 20th minute.
Toffees boss David Moyes made substitutions at half time in an attempt to reshuffle the formation and cause more problems for Chelsea. Hibbert was subbed for Lars Jacobsen, while Tim Cahill, who was deployed in a rather unorthodox backward position which deprived him of his typical aggressive surges forward, was shifted up front.
The moves bore little fruit, however, as when the game resumed Chelsea continued to dominate possession. Nicolas Anelka could have scored after ending up clear on goal on the left flank, but he lobbed the ball over the bar instead. Everton did fight back, and will have a reason to regret a couple of missed opportunities of their own.
Cahill, now deployed further forward in attack, produced a long range half-volley, an ambitious strike which was not too far from the truth. Leighton Baines then whipped the ball into the Chelsea area and Saha's header flew only inches over the bar.
In the 72nd minute however, Frank Lampard scored the winner, ending the dream of Everton to win a trophy this season. Lampard’s goal also ensured that Chelsea will bid farewell to Guus Hiddink with a trophy. Lampard wrong footed the Toffee back four before slotting in home a left-foot shot that Tim Howard got fingers to but couldn't keep out.
Hiddink rescued Chelsea’s season, and there was always the possibility that the team could have accomplished more in this campaign. He has repeatedly said that he has obligations towards Russia and that he must return and fulfil them. Hiddink also hinted that he doesn’t want this to be his swan song with English football. In turn, Chelsea supporters have expressed their admiration and respect for the Dutchman, and have repeatedly called for him to stay.
Perhaps the bug of English football has had an effect on the Dutch tactician? Is there another Hiddink-Chelsea chapter in the books, past this one?