Chelsea Fc Thread

[oldgit]

Avram Grant hasn't done much wrong but after the shock loss to Barnsley,especially after crushing wins over West Ham and Olympiakos, his job is in jeopardy.Abramovich was reportedly 'livid' that Drogba and Lampard weren't selected for the squad thereby implying that was the reason why we lost.Anelka and Essien not good enough,then?If I was the manager,I wouldn't have entertained Drogba either.Since his return from the African Nations Cup,he hasn't lifted a leg.Lampard has scored a couple of goals,since his return from injury and has done well although I think that Ballack has been the better player.The common denominator for all this unrest is that it has coincided with the return of Drogba from Africa where he was reported to have suggested that his time at Chelsea was up-not for the first time I might add.Then we hear that Jose Mourinho is still in touch with Abramovich and Kenyon.Coincidences? Or are we looking at a concerted conspiracy against Grant and the sensational return of the Special One?

[Buzby]

Hello...

Does anybody know if the Chelsea v Derby game is on Television tonight??

Come on you blues

Cheers

[delboy]

Hello...

Does anybody know if the Chelsea v Derby game is on Television tonight??

Come on you blues

Cheers

It's scheduled for the UBC Gsquare channel 60 at 3am Thai Time.

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Derby

Stamford Bridge

Wednesday, 12 March

Kick-off: 2000 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live and full commentary on BBC Radio Derby

Chelsea must decide whether to recall midfielder Frank Lampard and striker Didier Drogba after their shock FA Cup defeat at Barnsley on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is still missing with his ankle problem.

Skipper Robbie Savage could be in line for a Derby recall, while Dean Leacock could also return from a hip problem.

But Giles Barnes is out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury and forward Craig Fagan has joined Hull on loan until the end of the season.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Terry, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, Alex, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Essien, Makelele, Sidwell, Ballack, Obi, J Cole, Pizarro, Shevchenko, Drogba, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Anelka.

Derby (from): Carroll, Leacock, Moore, Todd, Stubbs, McEveley, Lewis, Edworthy, Savage, Pearson, Jones, Miller, Earnshaw, Ghaly, Villa, Robert, Price, Sterjovski.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant on bouncing back from the shock FA Cup defeat by Barnsley:

"The players were very hurt - it was embarrassing losing a game like that.

"I know that at Chelsea every loss is a crisis but it's not like that.

"We are a team, we win as a team and lose as a team. We want to fight for the titles. That's why we're here."

Derby manager Paul Jewell:

"When you go to Stamford Bridge it is always going to be tough as they have a very good home record.

"They will be smarting after getting knocked out of the FA Cup.

"They will want to go out and prove something and finish strongly in the league so it is not going to be easy for us, that's for sure."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Saturday's sensational loss to Championship strugglers Barnsley in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, leaves Chelsea now with the chance of only double honours, when they were chasing a quadruple just over a fortnight ago.

The Carling Cup losing finalists are six points behind second placed Manchester United and eight behind leaders Arsenal, with two games in hand on the Gunners and one on United.

The Blues are unbeaten in 10 Premier League games, and are defending a club record undefeated home league sequence of 76.

Derby, an almost unattainable 16 points off safety, face both Chelsea and Manchester United in four days this week.

The Rams have not won away from home in the Premier League this season, nor in 18 attempts spanning six years. That winless sequence started with a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 30 March 2002.

Chelsea hold a 100% home Premier League record over Derby, having won all six clashes at the Bridge.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

Highest achievable: 3rd

Lowest could fall: 3rd

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Won seven and drawn three of the last 10, since losing 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December - their only reverse in 20.

2. Won 14 of 21 under Grant (66%), and need another win to total 50 points under the Israeli. Lost only to Manchester United (a) and Arsenal (a) since Grant's appointment, as well as to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and Barnsley in the FA Cup.

3. Won 17 matches; only Manchester United (20) and Arsenal (19) have won more. Lost three; only Arsenal have lost fewer (one) and dropped 23 points in the top division; only Manchester United (20) and Arsenal (21) have dropped fewer.

4. Three goals short of conceding 600 all-time in this league. Let in 17 goals at one every 143 minutes (two hours 23 minutes) on average this season; only Manchester United have shipped fewer (15).

5. Kept 16 clean sheets in the highest league; only the Red Devils match that. Also, managed shut-outs in five of the last six, a period in which only one goal has been shipped.

6. Picked up six red cards in this league. Only Fulham have also had that many players sent off.

7. Their 27 games have produced just 59 goals (42 for, 17 against); at 2.19, it's the lowest goals per game average in the division.

8. Not lost when scoring first; won 14 and drawn two of 16.

9. Won 44 and drawn 16 of 60 at home in all competitions since the 1-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on 22 February 2006. Not lost a league game at the Bridge since the 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 56, drawn 20). Not lost in 96 domestic matches in front of the home faithful if penalty shoot-outs are excluded, since the defeat to Arsenal over four years ago.

10. Following this is a trip to Sunderland, two London derbies away to Tottenham and home to Arsenal, and a further home match with Middlesbrough.

DERBY COUNTY

Highest achievable: 20th

Lowest could fall: 20th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Gone 25 without a win in all competitions, although the FA Cup third round replay against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on 22 January was won on penalties.

2. Drawn six and lost 16 of 22 games (six points out of 66) since their solitary victory; 1-0 over Newcastle at Pride Park on 17 September.

3. One victory, 20 losses, 74 points dropped, 13 goals scored at one every 194 minutes (three hours 14 minutes) on average and 57 conceded at one every 44 minutes on average; the worst returns in all five categories.

4. Managed just three clean sheets, failed to score in 17, netted first in seven and allowed the opposition to open the scoring in 19; also the worst records on all four counts.

5. Not scored in three matches or 271 minutes (four hours 31 minutes) since Emanuel Villa's late equaliser against Birmingham on 2 February. It is the longest current scoreless sequence in this league.

5. Used more players than any other club (34).

6. Drawn four and lost 10 of 14 under Paul Jewell.

7. The current tally of 10 points after 28 games is 16 points fewer than the previous lowest to this corresponding stage in their relegation season of 2001-02.

8. One of three clubs without an away win.

9. Scored in just four of their 14 away games (five goals).

10. A home fixture with Manchester United follows this, before a visit to Middlesbrough and a clash with Fulham at Pride Park.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA

Frank LAMPARD is Chelsea's top scorer with 13 goals. Nicolas ANELKA has also scored 13, but 11 of those were for Bolton.

LAMPARD is also the clubs' leading marksmen in the Premier League, with six. (ANELKA scored 10 for Bolton and has got one for Chelsea.)

DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

ANELKA will be playing two days before turning 29.

DERBY COUNTY

Kenny MILLER is Derby's top scorer with five goals.

MILLER and Matt OAKLEY are the clubs' joint top marksmen in the Premier League, with three each.

There are only eight players on Derby's Premier League goalscorers chart, and all but one are either English, Scottish or Welsh.

If selected:-

Laurent ROBERT will be making his 150th career Premier League appearance (Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby).

HEAD TO HEAD

Derby have not beaten Chelsea since their 3-1 triumph at Pride Park on 30 October 1999, with an early Deon Burton goal, and a brace from Rory Delap in the last 10 minutes.

The Ram's last league victory at Stamford Bridge was 1-3 on 5 February 1983 in the old Second Division. Their most recent top-flight triumph there was 1-2 on 8 March 1975.

Chelsea are on course to complete a third Premier League double over County, and first since 2000-2001.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Chelsea 33 wins, Derby 35, Draws 25

Prem: Chelsea 9 wins, Derby 2, Draws 2

at Chelsea only

League (inc PL): Chelsea 20 wins, Derby 11, Draws 15

Prem: Chelsea 6 wins, Derby 0, Draws 0

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Derby County 0-2 Chelsea

24 November 2007 - Ref: Andre Marriner

Chelsea scorers: Kalou 17, Wright-Phillips 73

Sent Off: Essien (Chelsea) 90

REFEREE

Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)

[scousemouse]

Not as good as Liverpool ............. your lot conceded 1

Chelski 6-1 Derby

[Seapok]

Thats more like it, why couldn't we do that against Barnsley?

Chelsea 6-1 Derby

Frank Lampard scored four goals as Chelsea put their FA Cup nightmare at Barnsley behind them to demolish Derby.

Lampard slotted in a penalty after he was fouled by Dean Leacock, before Salomon Kalou knocked in the second.

Joe Cole crossed for Lampard to make it 3-0, Cole stroked home after Nicolas Anelka's shot was saved and Lampard sealed his hat-trick from 25 yards.

Lampard made it 6-0 with a left-foot finish inside the box before David Jones rolled in a Derby consolation.

The win leaves Chelsea five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand on the Gunners.

Chelsea's fans seemed to be suffering an FA Cup hangover after their sensational quarter-final defeat on Saturday, with Stamford Bridge eerily quiet in the opening stages.

Lampard's early left-foot shot that rolled against a post threatened to liven up a low-key opening, but when Chelsea broke down Derby's defence just before the half-hour mark, the floodgates well and truly opened.

Leacock had come on for the injured Alan Stubbs early on and as Lampard broke into the box, the former Fulham defender upended him with an outstretched leg.

Lampard rolled the ball easily past Roy Carroll and from then on it was a question of how many the home side would score.

Three minutes before the break the lead doubled, Carroll racing off his line to thwart Anelka, but the ball falling to Kalou 25 yards out and the striker coolly sending the ball into the net.

Carroll made an excellent save low to his left to keep out Kalou moments later but when play resumed after the break, Chelsea were rampant.

Lampard went on a mazy run that finished with a shot Joe Cole could not deflect on target, before Anelka headed a Kalou cross just wide.

But Chelsea were starting to make Derby look like a team with 10 points from 28 games and the Blues soon made it 3-0, Anelka playing in Joe Cole down the right, the winger getting to the byeline and crossing for Lampard to tap in from two yards.

The Derby that had battled for the first half an hour was a distant memory as Anelka raced clean through and after he saw his shot well saved by Carroll, Joe Cole followed up to slot into an empty net.

It kept getting worse for the visitors. Kalou cut in from the left, teed up Lampard and the England midfielder rifled a shot into the bottom right-hand corner via Carroll's right hand to complete his hat-trick.

He was not finished either, granted the freedom of the park to move infield after a one-two with Joe Cole and placing the ball into the near corner to wrong-foot Carroll and grab his fourth.

At 6-0 down, Derby finally managed a shot on target - and they scored with it. Miller's pass was deflected towards his own goal by Michael Essien and the ball fell kindly for Jones to beat Cudicini from close-range.

But the Rams have long been playing like a team already relegated and their effort will further have embarrassed manager Paul Jewell, now without a win in 19 games as boss.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant:

"I think we have a good chance to win the Premier League.

"If we win our game in hand we are two points behind Arsenal and they have to play here at Stamford Bridge still.

"Their games are not against easy teams - there are still 10 games to go, anything can happen."

Derby manager Paul Jewell:

"We are going to have to grit our teeth until next season now.

"The players tried their best, but as a group they just cannot compete with teams like these and this pace, they are playing at a different level to us.

"It is difficult to watch. It's a great league to be in if you are competitive, but there's no hiding place."

Chelsea: Cudicini, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack (Drogba 67), Makelele (Essien 73), Lampard, Joe Cole (Shevchenko 74), Anelka, Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Alex.

Goals: Lampard 28 pen, Kalou 42, Lampard 57, Joe Cole 64, Lampard 66, 72.

Derby: Carroll, Edworthy, Stubbs (Leacock 16), Moore, McEveley, Sterjovski, Ghaly (Earnshaw 52), Savage, Pearson, Lewis (Jones 58), Miller.

Subs Not Used: Price, Villa.

Booked: McEveley.

Goals: Jones 73.

Att: 39,447.

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

[oldgit]

A scrappy but very important win against Sunderland which keeps us within 3 points of Man U and Arsenal.Looked like we were going to guy in after an early Terry goal until Roy Keane sussed out that Kenwyne Jones and O'Donovan were the guvners in the air over JT and Alex.Then the high balls come in and the flick ons became a problem the rest of the game.Sunderland are a handful at home so if they can get their away form sorted out,they will stay up.

[Seapok]

Its going to be a very exciting reminder of the season, bring it on!

Ferguson expects thrilling race

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is anticipating a thrilling end to the Premier League season after his side overtook Arsenal at the top.

United beat Derby 1-0 on Saturday, before the Gunners were held at home by Middlesbrough and United are now ahead on goal difference with a game in hand.

Ferguson said: "The league is bubbling up very nicely now, it should be a fantastic finish to the season."

Wenger added: "We have dropped lots of points and it is a big disappointment."

Arsenal's result against Boro was their fourth draw in the league in a row, a run that has seen the Gunners' five-point lead at the top evaporate.

Wenger continued: "When you are in a race with the opponents we have, it is not ideal to be on this run, but we must keep our spirit and focus.

"Now we play Chelsea next, so it's very interesting. We will see at the end of the season what effect this result has.

"I feel the spirit is there and the players are giving everything, but at the moment it's not working for us."

United play their game in hand at home to Bolton on Wednesday and Ferguson said: "Hopefully we can win that as well and stay at the top."

Chelsea, meanwhile, are only three points behind the top two and have a game in hand on Arsenal, who they entertain at Stamford Bridge on 23 March.

Manager Avram Grant is refusing to give up on the Blues winning their third league title in four seasons.

"If there is even one in the club who does not believe, he should not be in football," said Grant.

"I am positive and very optimistic by nature, but if I was in a situation where I did not believe, I would be looking for another job.

"The belief was here maybe from the second week I was here. We have shown there is a reason why we can believe in this.

"We believe, even if sometimes we lose games."

[Seapok]

Come on Chels, payback time!

Tottenham v Chelsea

White Hart Lane

Wednesday, 19 March

Kick-off: 2000 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website and on BBC Radio Five Live

Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson is a new injury worry with an ankle problem, while captain Ledley King is still troubled by his on-going calf injury.

Younes Kaboul (knee) is in contention but Gareth Bale is out for the season.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is very close to a return from his ankle injury and he may be included in the squad.

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries but coach Avram Grant must decide whether to choose Nicolas Anelka or Didier Drogba to lead the attack.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Hutton, Lee, Gilberto, Gunter, Woodgate, King, Kaboul, Dawson, Zokora, Tainio, Jenas, Malbranque, Lennon, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Boateng, Taarabt, Berbatov, Keane, Bent.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Makelele.

Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate:

"Believe me, Chelsea will be going all out to win. It will be a harder game than the final - Chelsea will want to put that right.

"They are going for the title, they've always been in the hunt and they have players hitting form at the right time.

"But we always fancy ourselves to beat anyone and this is no different."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant on mis-firing strikers Nicolas Anelka and Dider Drogba:

"I'm not concerned as long as the team scores.

"I'm sure Nicolas and Didier will score goals. The team score, not one player, that is the way the team plays.

"Against West Ham, we won because of Anelka. He played like a team player."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Tottenham and Chelsea meet for the first time since the Carling Cup final at Wembley on 24 February, when Juande Ramos' side won 2-1 against a lack-lustre Blues outfit to claim their first major piece of silverware since 1999.

If Chelsea can avenge that result with victory here they will be level on points with Arsenal, and could also force a three-way tie for the lead of the Premier League, should Manchester United also go down to a shock home defeat to Bolton in the night's other fixture.

Tottenham, who have just pride to play for, are now looking for back-to-back home victories over Chelsea having gained their only victory in 31 Premier League meetings on Guy Fawkes Day in 2006, when Aaron Lennon snatched victory after Blues skipper John Terry had been sent off.

CLUB FORM

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Highest achievable: 11th

Lowest could fall: 11th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Lost three of five in all competitions.

2. Avoided defeat in five of the last seven.

3. Won eight of 18 under Juande Ramos.

4. No club has conceded more goals in stoppage time (seven).

5. Taken the lead in 17 games, and gone on to win nine of them.

6. The current tally of 35 points after 29 games is their lowest relative points return in a decade.

7. Picked up 16 points out of 18 at home, since the 2-3 defeat to Birmingham on 2 December - their only league loss at the Lane in eight. Also, scored 37 home goals - only Liverpool have scored more (38).

8. Lost only one London league derby in 13 at White Hart Lane since September 2005, winning eight of them. The defeat was 1-3 to Arsenal on 15 September 2007.

10. This is the first of three successive home fixtures; the next two are against Portsmouth and Newcastle. Then it's an away trip to Blackburn.

CHELSEA

Highest achievable: 2nd

Lowest could fall: 3rd

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Won nine and drawn three of the last 12, since losing 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December - their only reverse in 22.

2. Won 16 of 23 under Avron Grant (69%). Lost only to Manchester United (a) and Arsenal (a) since Grant's appointment, as well as to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and Barnsley in the FA Cup.

3. Won 19 matches; only Manchester United (21) have won more. Lost three; only Arsenal have lost fewer (one). Dropped 23 points in the top division; only Manchester United (20) and Arsenal (21) have dropped fewer.

4. Two goals short of conceding 600 all-time in this league. Let in 18 goals at one every 145 minutes (two hours 25 minutes) on average this season; only Manchester United have shipped fewer (15).

5. Kept 17 clean sheets in the highest league; only the Red Devils match that. Also, managed shut-outs in six of the last eight, a period in which only two goals has been shipped.

6. Picked up six red cards in this league. Only Fulham have also had that many players sent off.

7. Not lost when scoring first; won 16 and drawn two of 18.

8. Gained 16 points from a last possible 18 on the road since losing 1-0 at Arsenal on 16 December, and avoided defeat in 10 of 11.

9. Kept clean sheets in eight of last 11 on the road.

10. Another critical London derby follows this, home to Arsenal, then it's fixture to Middlesbrough. Next it'll be the away leg to Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, preceding a league trip to Manchester City.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Robbie KEANE is Tottenham's leading scorer with 21 goals.

KEANE is also the club's top Premier League marksmen with 13.

If selected:-

Pascal CHIMBONDA will be making his 100th Premier League appearance (Wigan and Tottenham).

If on the field from the outset:-

KEANE will be making his 150th Premier League start for Spurs.

CHELSEA

Frank LAMPARD is Chelsea's top scorer with 17 goals.

LAMPARD is also the clubs' leading marksmen in the Premier League, with 10. (Nicolas ANELKA scored 10 for Bolton and has got one for Chelsea.)

DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

LAMPARD will be making his 400th career league appearance (West Ham, Swansea and Chelsea).

If on the field from the outset:-

Salomon KALOU will be making his 50th start in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea are on the look out for their eighth Premier League double over Tottenham.

Defeat in this corresponding fixture last season was the first time in five league visits Chelsea had conceded a goal.

Spurs have won only one of 35 league meetings with their London rivals from the west end.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Spurs 41 wins, Chelsea 51, Draws 27

Prem: Spurs 1 win, Chelsea 20, Draws 10

at Spurs only

League (inc PL): Spurs 22 wins, Chelsea 22, Draws 15

Prem: Spurs 1 win, Chelsea 9, Draws 5

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea

5 November 2006 - Ref: Graham Poll

Spurs scorers: Dawson 25, Lennon 52

Chelsea scorer: Makelele 15

Sent Off: Terry (Chelsea) 72

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

12 January 2008 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Chelsea scorers: Belletti 19, Wright-Phillips 80

REFEREE

Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

[Seapok]

2 points dropped tonight, Carlo is a great keeper but we wouldn't of lost if Cech was in goal.....FACT.

Tottenham 4-4 Chelsea

Robbie Keane's stunning goal gave Spurs a thrilling point against Chelsea.

Didier Drogba headed Chelsea in front after three minutes but Jonathan Woodgate rose to equalise for Spurs.

Michael Essien's clever finish restored Chelsea's lead after 21 minutes and Joe Cole looked to have sealed the points with a third in the 52nd minute.

Dimitar Berbatov's header and a Tom Huddlestone strike put Spurs level, and after Cole hit his second, Keane curled in superbly two minutes from time.

Spurs fielded the side that beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup final - and showed videos of their triumph on the White Hart Lane big screens before kick-off.

The cheers were swiftly silenced as Chelsea swept into a third-minute lead, Drogba heading in John Terry's cross at the far post.

Joe Cole thought he had doubled Chelsea's lead three minutes later when he rounded Spurs keeper Paul Robinson to score, but the strike was ruled out for offside.

Spurs delivered a timely response to level after 12 minutes when Wembley goal hero Woodgate rose above Drogba and Terry to send a powerful header high beyond Carlo Cudicini from Jermaine Jenas's free-kick.

Chelsea looked the more dangerous side and should have restored their lead when Salomon Kalou just failed to apply the finishing touch to Joe Cole's driven cross.

But they did not have long to wait before going back in front, Essien beating Robinson with a neat finish after 20 minutes with the outside of his right foot after a clever ball from Joe Cole unlocked the Spurs defence.

Drogba wasted a good chance to extend Chelsea's advantage two minutes before the break after Frank Lampard robbed Jenas. The striker selfishly shot straight at Robinson with the England midfield man unmarked.

There was an unsavoury scene on the stroke of half-time when Ashley Cole floored Spurs defender Alan Hutton near the touchline with a tackle that was both high and late - and worthy of a red card in the current disciplinary climate.

Chelsea's players - led with an air of inevitability by England captain John Terry under the watchful eye of coach Fabio Capello - rushed and surrounded referee Mike Riley in a chaotic scene that did them no credit.

When the crowd of Chelsea players finally dispersed, Riley showed leniency in producing only a yellow card - and even then Cole stood pointedly with his back to the official before receiving his punishment.

Joe Cole had been a shining light for Chelsea, and he added a third for Chelsea after 52 minutes when he escaped a flimsy challenge from Pascal Chimbonda to score via Robinson's body.

But Spurs were back in contention after 61 minutes when Berbatov rose above Terry to meet Huddlestone's corner and send a looping header over Cudicini.

The Italian keeper produced a stunning save three minutes later to preserve Chelsea's lead, denying Keane at point-blank range after he was picked out by Berbatov's pass.

It was an end-to-end affair, and Essien almost grabbed his second with a low shot that beat Robinson but rebounded to safety off an upright.

But Spurs' all-out attacking approach paid off with 15 minutes left when Keane's corner fell to the giant Huddlestone, who fired a superb left foot drive beyond Cudicini.

Spurs sensed an unlikely victory, but Chelsea responded in style and the inspirational Joe Cole put them back in front in the 80th minute, shrugging off another weak tackle from Chimbonda to beat Robinson emphatically.

There was another twist after 88 minutes when a long clearance hit Ricardo Carvalho on the back and Keane reacted quickly to curl a 20-yard shot past Cudicini.

And in a grandstand finish, Cudicini produced a wonder save from Berbatov when the Bulgarian looked poised to cap a magnificent match with the winner.

Tottenham: Robinson, Hutton, Woodgate, King (Bent 68), Chimbonda, Lennon, Jenas (Huddlestone 46), Zokora, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane.

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Tainio, Dawson.

Booked: Keane, Huddlestone.

Goals: Woodgate 12, Berbatov 61, Huddlestone 75, Keane 88.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Ferreira (Shevchenko 90), Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, Joe Cole (Ballack 82), Drogba, Kalou (Alex 71).

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Wright-Phillips.

Booked: Joe Cole, Ashley Cole.

Goals: Drogba 3, Essien 20, Joe Cole 52, 80.

Att: 36,178

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

[nev]

[/font] if Cech was in goal.....FACT.

Tottenham 4-4 Chelsea

Robbie Keane's stunning goal gave Spurs a thrilling point against Chelsea.

Didier Drogba headed Chelsea in front after three minutes but Jonathan Woodgate rose to equalise for Spurs.

Michael Essien's clever finish restored Chelsea's lead after 21 minutes and Joe Cole looked to have sealed the points with a third in the 52nd minute.

Dimitar Berbatov's header and a Tom Huddlestone strike put Spurs level, and after Cole hit his second, Keane curled in superbly two minutes from time.

Spurs fielded the side that beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup final - and showed videos of their triumph on the White Hart Lane big screens before kick-off.

The cheers were swiftly silenced as Chelsea swept into a third-minute lead, Drogba heading in John Terry's cross at the far post.

Joe Cole thought he had doubled Chelsea's lead three minutes later when he rounded Spurs keeper Paul Robinson to score, but the strike was ruled out for offside.

Spurs delivered a timely response to level after 12 minutes when Wembley goal hero Woodgate rose above Drogba and Terry to send a powerful header high beyond Carlo Cudicini from Jermaine Jenas's free-kick.

Chelsea looked the more dangerous side and should have restored their lead when Salomon Kalou just failed to apply the finishing touch to Joe Cole's driven cross.

But they did not have long to wait before going back in front, Essien beating Robinson with a neat finish after 20 minutes with the outside of his right foot after a clever ball from Joe Cole unlocked the Spurs defence.

Drogba wasted a good chance to extend Chelsea's advantage two minutes before the break after Frank Lampard robbed Jenas. The striker selfishly shot straight at Robinson with the England midfield man unmarked.

There was an unsavoury scene on the stroke of half-time when Ashley Cole floored Spurs defender Alan Hutton near the touchline with a tackle that was both high and late - and worthy of a red card in the current disciplinary climate.

Chelsea's players - led with an air of inevitability by England captain John Terry under the watchful eye of coach Fabio Capello - rushed and surrounded referee Mike Riley in a chaotic scene that did them no credit.

When the crowd of Chelsea players finally dispersed, Riley showed leniency in producing only a yellow card - and even then Cole stood pointedly with his back to the official before receiving his punishment.

Joe Cole had been a shining light for Chelsea, and he added a third for Chelsea after 52 minutes when he escaped a flimsy challenge from Pascal Chimbonda to score via Robinson's body.

But Spurs were back in contention after 61 minutes when Berbatov rose above Terry to meet Huddlestone's corner and send a looping header over Cudicini.

The Italian keeper produced a stunning save three minutes later to preserve Chelsea's lead, denying Keane at point-blank range after he was picked out by Berbatov's pass.

It was an end-to-end affair, and Essien almost grabbed his second with a low shot that beat Robinson but rebounded to safety off an upright.

But Spurs' all-out attacking approach paid off with 15 minutes left when Keane's corner fell to the giant Huddlestone, who fired a superb left foot drive beyond Cudicini.

Spurs sensed an unlikely victory, but Chelsea responded in style and the inspirational Joe Cole put them back in front in the 80th minute, shrugging off another weak tackle from Chimbonda to beat Robinson emphatically.

There was another twist after 88 minutes when a long clearance hit Ricardo Carvalho on the back and Keane reacted quickly to curl a 20-yard shot past Cudicini.

And in a grandstand finish, Cudicini produced a wonder save from Berbatov when the Bulgarian looked poised to cap a magnificent match with the winner.

Tottenham: Robinson, Hutton, Woodgate, King (Bent 68), Chimbonda, Lennon, Jenas (Huddlestone 46), Zokora, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane.

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Tainio, Dawson.

Booked: Keane, Huddlestone.

Goals: Woodgate 12, Berbatov 61, Huddlestone 75, Keane 88.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Ferreira (Shevchenko 90), Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, Joe Cole (Ballack 82), Drogba, Kalou (Alex 71).

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Wright-Phillips.

Booked: Joe Cole, Ashley Cole.

Goals: Drogba 3, Essien 20, Joe Cole 52, 80.

Att: 36,178

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

seapok you say if cech was in goal you would not have lost i am sure you drew.good draw.

[MSingh]

Great Game of Football, just wish Chelsea would have held on though..

Spoiled unfortunately by Ca$hley Cole showing a horrific lack of respect to an Official, as usual..

[scousemouse]

Great Game of Football, just wish Chelsea would have held on though..

Spoiled unfortunately by Ca$hley Cole showing a horrific lack of respect to an Official, as usual..

You'd have thought he would have kept his mouth shut the arrogant pr#ck , it was a straight red card .

The only lad who seems to be o-k and gets on with the game at Chelski is Joe Cole.

All the rest , with Cashley at the top , need to go to charm school ( or back to primary school ).

[oldgit]

I don't like blaming managers normally but I thought the game hinged on Grant's substitutions that didn't work.By bringing off Kalou and,especially Joe Cole,who I thought tormented the Spurs defence throughout the game and employing Alex in central defence along side Terry and Cavalho(presumibly to utilise his heading ability) and instructing Essien to go deep, meant that Spurs had little competition in midfield for the final 15 -20 minutes of the game and could flow forward at will.The initiative was given to Spurs by bad and negative decision making and they took it.As for Ashley Cole,for all his impetuous behaviour,I think he's playing his best football now.

[oldgit]

Great Game of Football, just wish Chelsea would have held on though..

Spoiled unfortunately by Ca$hley Cole showing a horrific lack of respect to an Official, as usual..

You'd have thought he would have kept his mouth shut the arrogant pr#ck , it was a straight red card .

The only lad who seems to be o-k and gets on with the game at Chelski is Joe Cole.

All the rest , with Cashley at the top , need to go to charm school ( or back to primary school ).

By the way,"Cashley" isn't in the top 50 of world players earners but standing sheepishly at no.19 is................Darren Bent!!

[Seapok]

Yeah I meant to say draw but the heat of the moment I said we lost, it actually felt like a loss, dropping 2 points we throughly deserved! oh well bring on the Gooners!

[mrtoad]

Great Game of Football, just wish Chelsea would have held on though..

Spoiled unfortunately by Ca$hley Cole showing a horrific lack of respect to an Official, as usual..

You'd have thought he would have kept his mouth shut the arrogant pr#ck , it was a straight red card .

The only lad who seems to be o-k and gets on with the game at Chelski is Joe Cole.

All the rest , with Cashley at the top , need to go to charm school ( or back to primary school ).

Cashley Cole is a disgrace, and the rest of them aren't much better, other thn Joe Cole. It's about time Chelski were hit with a proper penalty . Chelsea remind me of Arsenal a few years ago with their atangonistic attitude.

As they say, money doesn't buy class.

[mrtoad]

I don't like blaming managers normally but I thought the game hinged on Grant's substitutions that didn't work.By bringing off Kalou and,especially Joe Cole,who I thought tormented the Spurs defence throughout the game and employing Alex in central defence along side Terry and Cavalho(presumibly to utilise his heading ability) and instructing Essien to go deep, meant that Spurs had little competition in midfield for the final 15 -20 minutes of the game and could flow forward at will.The initiative was given to Spurs by bad and negative decision making and they took it.As for Ashley Cole,for all his impetuous behaviour,I think he's playing his best football now.

OG, I'd agree with you on the points you have made. Grant still remains to prove himself in regards to decision making at the highest level, although he still is in a position to win the league. He's almost in a no win situation though, if he wins everyone will say that it's Moronio's team, if they lose then he will be torn apart by the press and the fans. The proof will be in the pudding next season, if (which is doubtful) he lasts that long.

As for Cole a good footballer, but a total prick and a disgrace to the profession.

[chonabot]

Great Match , think we could have nicked it in the last minute.... but very happy with the point after a woefule60 minutes.

To me it shows that Chelsea are not the force they were when Mourinho was in charge.

And yes Cole ( Ashley ) is a prick..... ..it would be nice for Mr Hutton to bump into the little tit off the park on day...

Edited March 20, 2008 by chonabot

[Seapok]

Its not often that I would say this but I have genuine love for this guy!

Zola sees Chelsea future

Gianfranco Zola admits he could see himself returning to Chelsea in the future.

The Blues legend is currently coach of the Italian Under-21s, but he feels a role at Stamford Bridge is something he would look at.

"Will I come back to Chelsea? We'll see. I think so. I think sooner or later I'll have a go," he told The Independent.

"But at the moment it is important to get the knowledge. Playing football is one thing, but coaching is another.

"Chelsea is where I had the best satisfaction of all, where I was treated the best. This is a special place.

"I care about Chelsea very much and when I do come back I want to do something very valuable."

Zola was linked with a role in Fabio Capello's backroom staff but he insists that was never an option he heard about.

"I read that in the newspapers myself several times but I didn't speak to Capello or anyone else," he said.

"I was very pleased (if) they were considering me but I have a commitment with the national team in Italy, a two-year contract."

[BIGTOE3]

To me it shows that Chelsea are not the force they were when Mourinho was in charge.

And yes Cole ( Ashley ) is a prick..... ..it would be nice for Mr Hutton to bump into the little tit off the park on day...

Well said I am sure Alan would Apologise afterwards

BT

[Seapok]

Terry issues rallying call

John Terry has issued a rallying call to his Chelsea team-mates ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

The Blues captain insists the game is 'a must-win' in keeping up their title challenge this season.

A win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would take them above Arsenal who have seen draws in their last four league games.

Despite Arsenal's lack of picking up the points in recent games, Terry admits the game will be tough with the added pressure of playing at home.

"We have to win," insisted Terry to the Daily Mirror. "Sunday's a must-win game now. No question.

"The disappointment at Spurs was that we threw a lead away and put the pressure on ourselves to have a win on Sunday against a very good side.

"If we had beaten Spurs, maybe we could have afforded to draw against Arsenal but not now. We are at home and there's added pressure on us to win."

Chelsea have remained close to the league summit this season and maintained their third place spot since December.

Terry believes the pressure has been taken off the side because of injuries sustained at the start of the season and the arrival of new manager Avram Grant.

"At the start on the season, when Jose Mourinho went and the new manager came in and we had injuries, everybody wrote us off straight away," Terry added.

"That's suited us. It took the pressure right off us. As we come into the later stages, Arsenal haven't won in four games and maybe the pressure's getting to them."

Terry also revealed that he wants to remain as England captain under Fabio Capello despite missing the Italian's first game in charge last month.

"I want to keep the armband and keep captaining my country," added Terry. "I'm very nervous about Mr Capello's decision but I will respect it whatever it is."

[Jockstar]

I have removed a few off topic posts. Please keep it civil lads.

[maori]

Come on,Blues!

Take the Gunners on!

[Seapok]

Terry urges referee respect plans

Chelsea captain John Terry says he would back plans to stamp out the hounding of referees.

Terry was speaking in light of criticism directed towards Chelsea for their disrespectful behaviour towards Mike Riley on Wednesday night.

It was the latest in a series of incidents which have led for calls to introduce new rules that would only allow captains to speak to referees.

"I think it'll be one of them where I'll have to give it a go," said Terry.

"But if it doesn't work then the FA will have to say no, it isn't working," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

Chelsea players surrounded referee Riley appearing to bully him out of red carding Ashley Cole following a late tackle on Alan Hutton during Wednesday's 4-4 draw with Tottenham.

Cole has been widely condemned for his behaviour towards Riley to whom he refused to acknowledge or even look at as the referee attempted to yellow card him.

But Terry has defended the behaviour of the Chelsea players following the incident.

"It is a natural reaction," he said.

"The fans show their frustration and the players do the same because they are passionate about the game.

"I do agree there has to be a line drawn and confronting the referee has to be taken out of the game."

The behaviour of footballers and the standard of tackling has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks but Terry does not believe the game has changed or that challenges or attitudes are getting worse.

"I personally don't think it has got out of hand and I don't think it is any worse than it used to be," he said.

"It is just being publicised and spoken about a bit more at the moment.

"These tackles have gone on for years and have never been spoken of before.

"Usually it was just a yellow card and everyone would get on with it. Now it is spoken about on television and publicised in the papers and ex-referees are given their views and the game has moved on a lot."

[Seapok]

Come on boys, you can do it!

Chelsea v Arsenal

Stamford Bridge

Sunday, 23 March

Kick-off: 1600 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech will have a fitness test on the ankle injury which has kept him out of the last five games, as Carlo Cudicini stands by.

Nicolas Anelka (thigh) returns to the squad, while Michael Ballack and Mikel John Obi are also in contention.

Arsenal are still without midfielders Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf).

Theo Walcott, called up by England in the week, is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Walcott, Song, J Hoyte, Senderos, Gilberto, Denilson, Bendtner.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Obi, Lampard, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Makelele.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant:

"There are eight games to go. We wanted to get to the position where it would be in our hands.

"We've worked hard for this from when I came here and now we need to use this situation. I am very happy with my team's form.

"We've played very good football in the last few games and scored a lot of goals. We are in a good shape in the right moment and I am very proud of this and respect what the players have done."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:

"I don't think we have a problem with motivation. To progress now we are in the final sprint. That is the moment where the tactical observation is gone

and you just try to win the game.

"I believe we are in a situation where the direct confrontations with the top three teams will have a direct influence on the championship.

"It's who can beat the direct opponents that will win it. That's what we want to achieve on Sunday.

"We know they are two big games on Sunday. What is new for all four teams is they all want to win the games."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Top spot chasers Chelsea and Arsenal cross swords at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues have not lost in 77 Premier League games since the Gunners defeated them four years and one month ago. Arsenal are also the only side to deny them any points in 23 outings.

Avram Grant's side shared eight goals with Spurs in a White Hart Lane thriller on Wednesday night, but the two points dropped has left them five points behind table toppers Manchester United; Arsenal have drawn their last four, lost the leadership and go into this clash three points behind the Red Devils. All three clubs have eight to play.

Arsenal's season will be defined in the next three weeks, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all to face in the league, as well as Champions League quarter-final meetings with Liverpool.

Arsenal are vying for a fourth Premier League title, Chelsea a third, and both are aiming to prevent United from clinching a 10th crown and back-to-back titles for the fifth time in the Premier League era.

Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal in December is their only loss in 16 Premier League London derbies; Arsenal have only lost one of 15 (0-1, home to West Ham on 7 April last year), and have won all seven this season.

Chelsea have only won one of their last 11 home Premier League meetings with Arsenal. Didier Drogba's 73rd minute goal was the difference between the sides on 21 August 2005.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures, and refer to stats and sequences in the Premier League only, unless stated otherwise)

1. Won nine and drawn four of the last 13, since losing 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December - their only reverse in 23.

2. This is Avram Grant's 25th league match in charge; they have won 16 of the previous 24 (67%), and been beaten just twice. Lost only to Manchester United (a) and Arsenal (a) since Grant's appointment, as well as to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and Barnsley in the FA Cup.

3. Won 19 matches; only Manchester United (22) have won more. Lost three; only Arsenal have lost fewer (one). Dropped 25 points in the top division; only Manchester United (20) and Arsenal (23) have dropped fewer.

4. Let in 22 goals at one every 123 minutes (two hours three minutes) on average this season; only Manchester United (15) and Liverpool (21) have shipped fewer.

5. Kept 17 clean sheets in the highest league; only the Red Devils beat that (18). Also, managed shut-outs in six of the last nine.

6. Picked up six red cards in this league. Only Fulham have also had that many players sent off.

7. Not lost when scoring first; won 16 and drawn three of 19.

8. The midweek 4-4 draw with Spurs was the second time this season they had shared eight goals; the home clash with Aston Villa on Boxing Day also ended 4-4. In addition, they scored half a dozen goals in their last home fixture, the 6-1 pummelling of relegation-routed Derby on 12 March.

9. Won 45 and drawn 16 of 61 at home in all competitions since the 1-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on 22 February 2006. Not lost a league game at the Bridge since the 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 57, drawn 20). Not lost in 97 domestic matches in front of the home faithful if penalty shoot-outs are excluded, since the defeat to Arsenal over four years ago.

10. Another home fixture against Middlesbrough follows this. Then it'll be the away and home legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Fenerbahce, before another home league match, against Wigan.

ARSENAL

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures, and refer to stats and sequences in the Premier League only, unless stated otherwise)

1. Drawn the last four. Last drew five on the spin between 3 January and 19 February 1994.

2. Drawn five of six, and lost one of 11 (all competitions).

3. Won eight and drawn six of 14 since the 2-1 loss against Middlesbrough at the Riverside on 9 December. That's their only defeat in 30 this season, and in 37 in total in just under a year.

4. Lost fewer matches this season than any other club (one), and failed to score in fewer (two).

5. Won 19 games, scored 58 goals, dropped 23 points and have a goal difference of +36; only Manchester United exceed that with 22 wins, 61 goals, 20 points dropped and a goal difference of +46.

6. Scored three times in the opening five minutes; more often than any other club. Also, opened the scoring in 18 games; only Manchester United (24), Chelsea and Everton (19 each) exceed that. In addition, not lost having taken the lead (won 15, drawn three), and won 10 of 12 in which a clean sheet has been kept.

7. Beaten Fulham (h), Tottenham (a), Aston Villa (a) and Everton (a) from losing positions; picked up 17 points from games in which they were trailing. Only Aston Villa can match that, having won three and drawn eight of 11 in which they were in deficit.

8. Won three and drawn three of their last six away from home.

9. Lost just one of 14 away this season and in 17 on their league travels since March last year; the 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough at the Riverside on 9 December. Gained 27 points away from home this term; only Chelsea (33) and Manchester United (30) have picked up more.

10. A visit to Bolton follows this, before three successive fixtures against Liverpool (home in the Champions League, home in the Premier League and away in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final). Then it's away to Manchester United.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA

Frank LAMPARD is Chelsea's top scorer with 17 goals.

LAMPARD is also the clubs' leading marksmen in the Premier League, with 10. (Nicolas ANELKA scored 10 for Bolton and has got one for Chelsea.)

Didier DROGBA is a double short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

Nicolas ANELKA will be facing a former club. The 29 year old France international striker made 90 appearances (65 in the league) and scored 28 goals (23 league) for Arsenal between March 1997 and August 1999.

Ashley COLE will be facing the club where he started his professional career. The 26 year old England international was a trainee with Arsenal, making 228 appearances (156 in the league) and scoring nine goals (eight league) before his move across the capital in August 2006.

If on the field from the outset:-

Ashley COLE will be making his 300th club career start (Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea).

ARSENAL

Emmanuel ADEBAYOR is Arsenal's top scorer with 23 goals, and leading marksman in the Premier League with 19.

If selected:-

Mathieu FLAMINI will be making his 100th Premier League appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

William GALLAS will be facing a former club. The 30 year old France international defender made 225 appearances (159 in the league) and scored 14 goals (12 league) for Chelsea between May 2001 and his move to Arsenal in August 2006.

If on the field from the outset:-

Phillippe SENDEROS will be making his 100th start in an Arsenal shirt.

Justin HOYTE will be making his 50th start for the Gunners.

HEAD TO HEAD

Arsenal have won one of the last 11 meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, but have also won four and drawn six of their last 11 league visits to Stamford Bridge.

There have been 35 bookings in the last six league and cup meetings between these clubs, excluding four red cards in the last three.

In 28 meetings in all competitions since 1998 there has been just one goalless draw; that being at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on 20 April 2005.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Chelsea 39 wins, Arsenal 58, Draws 44

Prem: Chelsea 5 wins, Arsenal 15, Draws 11

at Chelsea only

League (inc PL): Chelsea 22 wins, Arsenal 23, Draws 25

Prem: Chelsea 4 wins, Arsenal 5, Draws 6

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

10 December 2006 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Chelsea scorer: Essien 84

Arsenal scorer: Flamini 78

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

16 December 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Arsenal scorer: Gallas 45

REFEREE

Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

[Seapok]

Get in there boys! great result!

Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Didier Drogba's double kept Chelsea's title hopes alive while damaging Arsenal's with a win that saw them leapfrog their rivals to go second.

William Gallas hit the post from five yards in the first half but Bacary Sagna put Arsenal in front with a near-post header on 59 minutes.

Drogba equalised with a low drive after Juliano Belletti's long pass was laid off to him by Frank Lampard.

And on 82 minutes Drogba poked home the winner after a Nicolas Anelka flick-on.

With Manchester United's victory over Liverpool earlier in the day, which put them six points clear at the top of the table, both sides were eager to get more than a point from the match - but were also desperate not to lose.

Chelsea began in more cautious fashion, allowing Arsenal plenty of time on the ball, while laying in wait in their defensive third to snuff out the attacks.

With Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Eboue hugging the touchlines, Arsenal used the width to good effect but without really penetrating.

Dutchman Van Persie sliced one shot high and wide when well placed and drove in a volley that was comfortably saved by Carlo Cudicini.

But while Arsenal were on top with their short passing game in the first 20 minutes, Chelsea's more direct approach dictated the play in the second part of the first half.

A lively Drogba sparked the change and he should have scored when clean though on goal but he miscontrolled the ball.

As the game opened up, Chelsea scrambled clear after two goalwards toe-pokes from Emmanuel Adebayor and Eboue, and Gallas hit the upright from five yards after sliding in at the back post.

Back came Chelsea and Salomon Kalou seemed set to score but missed his kick in the penalty area before the ball was hacked away and Manuel Almunia just managed to divert Joe Cole's dangerous low cross.

The desire to win the game was obvious from both sides and straight after the interval Matthieu Flamini was prevented from giving Arsenal the advantage when his vicious volley was superbly stopped by Cudicini.

Chelsea continued with their route-one approach and Drogba was through again after a long pass by Claude Makelele but Gallas recovered to do enough to put him off.

And then Arsenal turned defence into attack, literally, as Sagna beat his marker at the near post to head in from a Fabregas corner to score his first goal for the club.

But the Frenchman's delight soon turned sour when he was forced off with an ankle injury - and suddenly Chelsea stepped up through the gears.

After a couple of wasted chances, most notably a scuffed shot from Michael Ballack, another long pass paid dividends as the ball eventually fell to Drogba, who lashed in a low drive from the edge of the box.

The impetus was now all with Chelsea and when substitute Anelka headed on another long ball, Drogba was there to flick the ball beyond Almunia, who could not get a strong enough hand to it.

It proved enough to secure three points for Chelsea and close the gap on United to five points, while inflicting only a second league defeat of the season on Arsenal.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Essien, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack (Belletti 70), Makelele (Anelka 70), Lampard, Joe Cole (Obi 88), Drogba, Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Alex.

Booked: Joe Cole, Ballack, Drogba.

Goals: Drogba 73, 82.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna (Diaby 72), Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini (Bendtner 88), Hleb, Adebayor, Van Persie (Walcott 76).

Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Senderos.

Booked: Eboue.

Goals: Sagna 59.

Att: 41,824

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).

[oldgit]

A very important win in a game that could have gone either way,with certain players rising to the occasion.Terry and Cavalho were back to their very best and Drogba timed his best game for ages to perfection.Again,this game hinged on Grant's substitutions but,this time,they worked.I thought he was right to remove Ballack.As good a player as he is going forward,he was struggling to get back against the pacy midfield of Fabregas,Kleb and Flamini.Lampard could count himself fortunate he wasn't the one to make way.To bring on Belletti and shift Essien into midfield also paid off.Joe Cole was another good substitution as he had run himself to a standstill.I like the way Kalou is shaping up,now he's having a run inthe side,into a very dangerous player.He's starting to cut out the stupid mistakes he tends to make.Its taken a while but Ashley Cole is playing his best football now.

[Seapok]

Drogba: We're in it to win it

Didier Drogba is confident Chelsea are capable of usurping Manchester United at the Premier League summit following Sunday's win over Arsenal.

The Ivorian was in electric form as his brace saw Chelsea come from behind to record a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge that takes them above Arsenal in the table.

Now just five points behind leaders Manchester United, Drogba believes Avram Grant's side have the ability to steal the title at the death.

"I think they (Sunday's results) give the belief we can still be in the race against Manchester United," Drogba told Sky Sports.

"Arsenal are not dead even though they lost this game. Although it is going to be difficult for them and their confidence will be hit.

"We played well today, it is always difficult against Arsenal. But we are strong and I think we deserved the win today."

Key to Chelsea's success was arguably Grant's substitutions, as Nicolas Anelka, Juliano Belletti and Jon Obi Mikel were all introduced to great affect.

Some sections of the Chelsea faithful reacted to Grant's decisions by chanting 'You don't know what you're going', amid calls for the return of Jose Mourinho.

It was, though, a different sort of chanting that ensued when Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1, as Mikel, Belletti and in particular Anelka, all played their part.

"I think the substitutes did their job and that is what it is all about - the team. They wanted us to show that even though they are on the bench at the start they can be important," Drogba concluded.

"I hope we can win the title this year and the way we celebrated showed we believe that we can do it."

[Seapok]

Anelka happy with role

Nicolas Anelka has insisted that he is more concerned with Chelsea achieving success than with personal glory.

The Frenchman moved to Stamford Bridge from Bolton in January but has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular in the side.

There is fierce competition for places in attack and Avram Grant often prefers to play with just one out-and-out striker.

However, Anelka is happy with his role as he believes there will be plenty of opportunities over the course of a season for him to prove his worth.

Anelka is looking to contribute in any way he can, whether that be as a starter or off the bench, as Chelsea continue to challenge for the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League.

"If you play at Chelsea, then the important thing is to win things as a team," Anelka said in the Daily Express.

"Now we are in the final moments of the season and we have to win. So, if I can do anything to help the team to win, I will do it.

"Sometimes you play, sometimes you don't. That's part of the game. You have to accept it as a group and realise the important thing is the team win something.

"There are so many games in a season at Chelsea that everyone will have the chance to contribute.

"I don't think about being a starter. Of course I want to play, but I want to help the team win things in the first place. That is the main thing I think about."