The Times
February 26, 2007

Tempers snap in the Snarling Cup
Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1: Dramatic afternoon ends with flying fistsMatt Dickinson
John Terry was concussed, the rest of us were just stunned by a
Carling Cup final yesterday that, if it is the last showpiece match at
the Millennium Stadium, will not be quickly forgotten. While the
Chelsea captain needed reviving, everyone else required calming down.

Where to start? On the winners' podium with Frank Lampard? In the
players' tunnel, down which Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Touré and John Obi
Mikel disappeared after being sent off for brawling? Or on the
sidelines at the final whistle, where Jose Mourinho pumped his hand
into the air to signify the five trophies he has won in less than
three seasons at Chelsea (someone should tell him that he really does
not need to include the FA Community Shield). He denied that it was a
message to Roman Abramovich in the stands and, in the mayhem, there
was barely time to wonder if this triumph will help to spare the
Portuguese from dismissal.

In such wild circumstances that required more than 12 minutes to be
added to the regulation 90, it was inevitable that someone – and it
was Lampard who said it first – would say that this final showed how
much players care for the much-maligned League Cup.

It was tempting to buy into the argument, but the truth is that these
teams, and their managers, could bring venom to a game of whist. It
could have been for the Cub Scouts Cup and, from the age of Arsenal's
team, it might have been. The trophy was just an excuse for another
dust-up.

Arsène Wenger and Mourinho have fuelled the rivalry with their
incessant sniping and it must have been partly out of personal
responsibility that, as the feuding boiled over with the late
free-for-all, the two managers charged on as peacemakers. The trains
were late – so was the winning goal from Didier Drogba and some of the
punches. Delayed, too, was Adebayor's departure from the pitch after
his sending-off, but Arsenal had lost the trophy before they lost
their heads. Both teams had performed true to their character.

"Football is about winning," Mourinho said and that was Chelsea's
contribution yesterday. They had been mostly without verve until Arjen
Robben's arrival after half-time, but for their fans, winning was more
than enough.

Arsenal, as ever, were thrilling in bursts but brittle in temperament.
They had played the best football, particularly in the opening 20
minutes, and Wenger's courageous decision to stick with the young
players who had carried his team to the final deserves lasting
admiration.

But if Mourinho's team have inherited a hard cynicism from their
manager, Wenger's players have learnt from him to view their defeats
as injustices. They remain shocked that a cruel world can deny
trophies from a team who play with such panache.

Surprisingly, it was Touré, one of their most experienced players, who
sparked the mêlée by overreacting to Mikel's tug on his shirt, but it
was not out of the collective character. Sadly, Adebayor, such a
wonderful player this season, continued the hysterics, clearly
believing that he was the victim of mistaken identity.

He might have a case, but Arsenal will remain in the dock for a week
or three. Emmanuel Eboué is certain to be charged for a rabbit-punch
to the back of Wayne Bridge's head that was not seen by the officials
and caused the full back to go down like Audley Harrison. "Until now,
we were more lambs than wolves," Wenger said, a grudging
acknowledgement of wrongdoing. But only grudging.

Wenger pleaded for some attention to be paid to his team's qualities
and there was plenty to admire. A side who dared to have two teenagers
in the midfield battleground and youngsters dotted around them,
succumbed in the end only to superior muscle.

Inspired by the wonderful Francesc Fàbregas, they took the game to
Chelsea and deserved the lead through Theo Walcott's first goal for
the club. It was typical of their early play as Walcott played a
one-two with the equally impressive Abou Diaby, then clipped the ball
over Ricardo Carvalho and curled a fine shot around Petr Cech.

At that stage, Chelsea were playing as if they were embarrassed to be
there. A Carling Cup final against a bunch of kids? It was as if they
had been ordered to trample over a team of Girl Guides.

It was only when Drogba equalised in the 21st minute, a goal from
nowhere, that they began to raise their game. Benefiting from a close
offside call – his feet were onside, his body off – the Ivory Coast
striker ran on to Michael Ballack's clipped pass (it is hard to
remember any further contribution from the Germany midfield player)
and finished with aplomb. When Robben went on for Claude Makelele at
half-time, Chelsea began to dominate. They had not been helped by
Terry's insistence on playing because the England captain, supposedly
recovered in record time from ankle ligament damage, looked out of
sorts. Carvalho picked up a booking covering for his fellow centre
half.

If it was bravery that made Terry play, it was reckless courage that
resulted in him being hurt again. The ball was bouncing around the
Arsenal penalty area when he threw himself into what might have been a
winning header. The last thing he saw was Diaby's boot coming at his
face. "A defensive player has to go there, so no criticism," Mourinho
said.

The Chelsea manager commended the Arsenal medics for rushing to the
scene and Wenger's team were to suffer, too. Proving that even Terry's
face is harder than most people's feet, Diaby soon departed with
bruising.

By now, Chelsea looked the more likely winners and, after Lampard
struck the bar with a dipping shot from 25 yards, Robben crossed for
the winning goal. Drogba sneaked ahead of Senderos and headed superbly
into the corner.

The punch-up followed, then the final whistle and then the
presentation of the trophy to Lampard. Amid the drama, it was easy to
forget that Chelsea had given themselves the chance of a quadruple.

How Arsenal rated

Manuel Almunia At 29, exempt from "young" tag and arguably excluded
from the "talented" moniker, too. Not to blame for Drogba's goals,
although body movement was impersonation of cat-flap 6

Justin Hoyte Relatively experienced and was solid, but, with Chelsea's
play squashed into the centre, was hardly given the stiffest of
examinations. Switched to left when Eboué came on 6

Kolo Touré Had time on his hands because Shevchenko was so deep;
should have used it to man-mark Drogba, and so help Senderos. Aged 26
next month, had no excuse for being sent off at end 3

Philippe Senderos Could not cope with Drogba again. This proved a
nightmare as, in the end, the forward got in front of him to score the
winner. Positioning needs to improve, given his lack of pace 4

Armand Traoré Made fine run into area in first half. Fluffed shot, but
a 17-year-old left back was dribbling like a winger. Defensive naivety
of winger, too, but made meaty tackles in only sixth match 7

Theo Walcott His 26th appearance, so first goal was long time coming,
but way he took it suggests confidence has not been dented by growing
pains evident in past couple of months 6

Francesc Fàbregas Has always played with maturity beyond his years and
like an elder statesman but is not 20 until May. Flashed a shot just
wide from an acute angle five minutes after half-time 6

Denilson Footage unearthed on internet proves he can dance; fancy
footwork was less evident yesterday. Gave impression that, despite
talent, was not quite ripe enough for this stage 5

Abou Diaby Cheeky backheel on side of area to Walcott showed early
confidence. Played one-two with Walcott for the goal and forced fine
save from Cech early in second period 7

Júlio Baptista The beauty of "The Beast" was evident in several
rampaging runs. With his strength and running power, the nearest
Arsenal had to Drogba and forced fine save from Cech in first half 7

Jérémie Aliadière Joined Arsenal as a trainee in 1999 and displayed
bright ideas and sparky movement, but is surely not quite quick or
strong enough to make it at the North London club 6

Substitutions

Emmanuel Eboué for Traoré, 67min: Had trouble dealing with Robben, but
anyone would when Holland winger is in mood 5 Alexander Hleb for
Diaby, 69: Neat and tidy but unable to revitalise his flagging
teammates 6 Emmanuel Adebayor for Aliadière, 81: Exploded laid-back
reputation in angry walk to tunnel after shown red card Substitutes
not used: Mart Poom, Johan Djourou.

Booked: Denilson, Eboué, Fàbregas. Sent off: Touré, Adebayor

How Chelsea rated

Petr Cech Impeccable except for one fumble in first half that almost
enabled Walcott to pounce. Alert to tip away long-range Baptista shot
and made key save from Diaby at start of second period 8

Lassana Diarra Infrequently tested because of Diaby's mania for
cutting into central areas, but often looked what he is – makeshift.
Lucky not to concede penalty when he brought down Baptista 6

Ricardo Carvalho With Terry out of shape, Chelsea were fortunate that
Carvalho was in fine fettle. Made big tackle on Baptista after 20
minutes when Arsenal threatened a second and was sturdy 8

John Terry Knocked out going for header with typical bravery, so
Chelsea pay for José Mourinho's desire to pick his best team. However,
Terry had been rusty after a lack of recent matches 4

Wayne Bridge As cowed as rest of Chelsea players in early stages but
discovered gumption and became more advanced down left. Forays forward
were crucial outlet until Robben came on 6

Claude Makelele Subscribed to the "if you can't beat them, foul them"
philosophy of his midfield colleagues as blurred feet of Arsenal
players were too much even for his quick brain. Hauled off at
half-time 4

Michael Essien In his favoured midfield position thanks to Terry's
recovery, then returned to back line when Terry went off. Booked for
tackle on Baptista that was worthy of martial arts film 5

Michael Ballack Early on, looked as comfortable as a losing Oscar
nominee as winner is announced. Improved and provided pass for
Drogba's first goal, but hardly powerhouse of repute 5

Frank Lampard Once Chelsea had equalised and turned Arsenal's youthful
exuberance down a notch, was quietly effective, although hardly
inspired until his dipping shot hit bar 5

Didier Drogba Took goals with self-assurance, despite midfield not
helping much until Robben came on. Indefatigable and took advantage of
space created by Shevchenko's decoy runs 9

Andriy Shevchenko Self-belief appears to be swelling. Crashed vicious
shot off bar at end and set off on delightful dribble into area at
start of second period, yet seemed one-paced 7

Substitutions

Arjen Robben for Makelele, 46min: Added a fresh dimension to Chelsea's
attacks 7 John Obi Mikel for Terry, 63: His shirt-tug on Touré
initiated the injury-time brawl that resulted in both being sent off
3Salomon Kalou for Shevchenko, 90: Too late to do anything Substitutes
not used: Hilário, Ashley Cole

Booked: Essien, Carvalho, Diarra, Lampard. Sent off: Mikel

Referee: Howard Webb 6

HEAD CASES

- John Terry's blow to the head is likely to leave him with
concussion, which is a clinical state of temporary loss of
consciousness because of temporary nerve cell dysfunction as a result
of the brain hitting the inside of the skull. Retrograde amnesia,
which Terry is said to have suffered, is common.

- The Chelsea defender will be unable to play for seven days under FA
and Uefa rules covering concussed players. He will miss at least the
match away to Portsmouth on Saturday but could be back for the second
leg of the Champions League first knockout round, second leg tie
against FC Porto three days later.

- Other sports are even stricter. In boxing, the losing competitor in
any bout that is stopped is automatically sidelined for 28 days and
must be passed fit by a doctor before they can box again.

- In the United States, where American football is responsible for
more than 250,000 head injuries a year and 10 per cent of all college
players suffer brain injuries, the National Football League (NFL) uses
a test known as ImPACT (Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and
Cognitive Test) to determine the severity of a concussion and
establish a player's fitness to return.

- Recovery from concussion can be rapid, but 10 per cent of
concussions can lead to permanent brain damage.

NICK SZCZEPANIK

ALL THE ACTION BLOW BY BLOW

Remember the date – February 25, 2007 – and remember the match. Here
is the story of one of the great cup finals of recent times. From Theo
Walcott's first goal for Arsenal to Didier Drogba's late winner, this
was 100-plus minutes of pure drama.

12min Theo Walcott gives Arsenal the lead after exchanging passes with
Abou Diaby. It is his first goal for the club on his 28th appearance

20 Didier Drogba equalises for Chelsea after beating the offside trap
to collect Michael Ballack's pass

57 John Terry is knocked out by Diaby's raised boot as the Chelsea
player attempts a diving header close to the Arsenal goal. Terry is
taken from the pitch on a stretcher and play is delayed 6½ minutes

84 Drogba climbs above Philippe Senderos to glance home Arjen Robben's
left-wing cross to give Chelsea a 2-1 win

94 John Obi Mikel pulls Kolo Touré's shirt and all hell breaks loose.
Touré confronts Mikel, who shoves him back. Frank Lampard stands
between them as peacemaker but is grabbed round the neck and wrestled
by Francesc Fàbregas and apparently hit on the head twice by Emmanuel
Adebayor. José Mourinho and Arsène Wenger enter the pitch to calm
players. Mikel, Touré and Adebayor are sent off, Lampard and Fàbregas
booked.

100 Play resumes

103 Final whistle

BILL EDGAR
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Telegraph:

Chelsea take control amid the carnage

By Henry Winter at the Millennium Stadium

Chelsea (1) 2 Arsenal (1) 1

The Carnage Cup final on the shores of the Taff yesterday saw the
England captain carried off, three Africans sent off, and plenty of
multi-lingual mouthing off before west London finally saw off north
London. Rarely can the League Cup have climaxed with such cosmopolitan
pyrotechnics.

Arsenal, all feline grace and youthful ambition, were the better team,
moving the ball around exquisitely at times, particularly when Theo
Walcott swept them ahead. Chelsea, though, boasted the experience, the
power and the expertise of three stalwart performers, Petr Cech,
Ricardo Carvalho and Didier Drogba.

Cech was colossal in goal, making saves and catches in commanding
fashion. Shielding him was the ball-nicking Carvalho, who looks like
an Elizabethan dandy and tackles like a Cheapside pickpocket.

Carvalho's defensive cunning was especially important when John Terry
took the full force of Abou Diaby's boot in his face, lost
consciousness and was borne away to a nearby hospital before being
given the all-clear.

This was a day when Chelsea needed leaders to quell the relentless
surges of Arsene Wenger's terrific young players and Drogba certainly
stood up to be counted, lifting his season's tally to an impressive 28
with a goal in each half. Philippe Senderos' sleep will once more be
stalked by a muscular nightmare called Drogba; Chelsea's No 11 again
bullied the Swiss international into submission, particularly with his
winning header.

If Drogba landed the key knockout punch, others were trying to
exchange them. Three minutes into stoppage time, a thrilling drama
dissolved into a Punch and Judy show. Here were professionals at their
playground worst: John Obi Mikel pulled Kolo Toure's shirt and they
tangled like tipsy teenagers.

Others joined in the fray, using the melee to settle old scores or
open new wounds: Emmanuel Eboue and Emmanuel Adebayor launched into
the unpopular Wayne Bridge, while Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas
confirmed their loathing of each other with an undignified tussle.

For those who complain there is never a policeman around when you need
one, Howard Webb stepped in to restore order with all the authority of
someone who used to pound the beat in South Yorkshire. Webb,
outstanding throughout, sent off Mikel (Nigeria), Toure (Ivory Coast)
and Adebayor (Togo). Adebayor was so angered that he needed
restraining by Arsenal's physio, Gary Lewin, and will surely receive
an invitation to visit the beaks at Soho Square.

The late commotion should not be allowed to tarnish the memory of a
compelling final. Arsenal had started like an express train, and
fortunately not one of those London rattlers held up outside Newport,
adding to the traffic misery that accounted for many empty seats.
Arsenal looked a team in a hurry, guiding the ball around beautifully
as Chelsea struggled to settle.

Fabregas tested Cech, Terry made a valuable clearance from the lively
Julio Baptista, but Arsenal's exuberance could not be contained for
long. When Baptista, all touch and muscle, came calling again, Cech
required all his reflexes to deny the Brazilian.

Still the danger shimmered under the darkening Wales skies. Fabregas
jogged across to take the corner, pausing only for the celery storm to
abate, and then swerved in a ball that Drogba cleared. Chelsea thought
they had repelled the danger but Walcott, in particular, had other
ideas. Collecting possession 40 yards out, he darted towards Chelsea's
box, exchanged passes with Diaby and then bent the ball around Cech.
Marvellous. Walcott is such a likeable character, such a promising
footballer as well, that it was a special moment for him and his many
admirers.

Arsenal were in the mood: Diaby looked a coltish version of Patrick
Vieira, while the 17-year-old Walcott scampered around as if worried
the bell for double Latin was about to ring. Chelsea could have folded
in the teeth of this teenage uprising but Carvalho and Terry stood
firm, making some crucial tackles. Terry, clearly, was far from fit,
turning awkwardly at times, but his leadership powers remained
undimmed by an ankle's cloying pain.

The storm repelled, Chelsea hit back. Michael Ballack may be
one-paced, but he can place a sweet pass when he desires. After 20
minutes, he delivered a gem to Drogba. In days gone by, when Tony
Adams was organising the back line, Arsenal's offside trap would have
ensnared Drogba and most of his family, but Senderos was fractionally
deep, stirring doubt in the linesman's mind. The flag stayed down,
Drogba ran on and struck his shot under Manuel Almunia and in.

Arsenal's response was marvellous to behold, Wenger's youngsters
taking Drogba's equaliser as an affront, not a cause for surrender.
They tore into Chelsea, Armand Traore embarking on an elegant run that
took him halfway to the Gower. Fabregas, the rhythm section of the
Wenger Youth Orchestra, readily took responsibility, chipping in a
majestic cross that appeared destined for the head of the unmarked
Baptista. Cech, the master of timing, sped from his line to catch the
ball, leaving the Brazilian heading only thin air.

Still Arsenal came, urged on by their fans, riding the tackles in
midfield and dodging the celery bombardment out wide. Carvalho manned
the blue barricades, sliding in to extinguish fires fanned by Baptista
and Jeremie Aliadiere.

Chelsea needed to set Arsenal some questions, to push them back. Jose
Mourinho made one of his bold substitutions, removing the midfield
enforcer that is Claude Makelele for the rapid-response unit called
Arjen Robben. Mourinho soon introduced another player, Mikel arriving
for the battered Terry.

A new spirit suffused Chelsea, the classic dressing-room reaction of
"let's do it for JT'' as voiced by Lampard afterwards. Seizing the
armband, ignoring ebbing energy levels induced by a lingering virus,
Lampard almost drove Chelsea in front with a sensational 35-yader that
crashed against the bar.

Robben was everywhere, and with six minutes remaining the Dutchman
drilled a cross into Almunia's box. Before you could say deja vu,
Drogba had muscled past Senderos to flick a powerful header home.
One-nil down, 2-1 up: Chelsea had stolen a cherished Arsenal
scoreline.

It was all over bar the shouting, shirt-pulling, punch-throwing and,
most importantly, the lifting of the Carnage Cup by Lampard.

Cup final reds

League Cup

1994 Andrei Kanchelskis, Man Utd v Aston Villa
1999 Justin Edinburgh, Tottenham v Leicester
2000 Clint Hill, Tranmere v Leicester
2006 Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)

FA Cup

1985 Kevin Moran, Man Utd v Everton
2005 Juan Antonio Reyes, Arsenal v Man Utd

Arsenal (4-4-1-1): Almunia; Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Traore (Eboue,
67); Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby (Hleb, 68); Baptista;
Aliadiere (Adebayor, 81).
Subs: Djourou, Poom (g).
Booked: Denilson, Fabregas, Eboue.
Sent off: Toure, Adebayor.
Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech; Diarra, Carvalho, Terry (Mikel, 63), Bridge;
Makelele (Robben, h-t); Essien, Ballack, Lampard; Drogba, Shevchenko
(Kalou, 90).
Subs: Hilario (g), A Cole.
Booked: Essien, Carvalho, Lampard, Diarra.
Sent off: Mikel.
Referee: H Webb (Yorkshire).

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----------------------------------------Indy:

Terry knocked out, a mass brawl, three see red... and Chelsea won 2-1
By Jason Burt at the Millennium Stadium

A compelling, high-quality Carling Cup final - which Chelsea
dramatically won 2-1 - was marred by an extraordinary, low-grade mass
brawl between Chelsea and Arsenal players which resulted in three red
cards and both Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger running on to the pitch
to try to restore order.

Before that, Chelsea's John Terry had been taken to hospital after
losing consciousness when he was accidentally kicked in the face by
Abou Diaby as the 26-year-old England captain attempted to win a
header. It was feared Terry had swallowed his tongue, and players, who
frantically waved on the medical teams, claimed he was turning blue.

But Terry, who played only after a remarkably swift recovery from an
ankle injury, was later able to return to the stadium and join in his
team-mates' celebrations. "He lost consciousness, that was the major
problem," Mourinho said. "The first thought is the man's safety and
the man's family. After that you think of football."

Those celebrations started with the Chelsea manager defiantly waving
five fingers towards the executive boxes and the Chelsea owner, Roman
Abramovich, to remind him of the trophies he has won for the club -
two league titles, two league cups and the Community Shield.

Mourinho also pointedly reminded his employer of his obligations: "The
fans are fantastic to me, the players are fantastic to me and the club
that gives me a contract to 2010, I think they must be happy."

The latest trophy was won through two accomplished goals from Didier
Drogba after Chelsea had fallen behind to a strike by Theo Walcott,
still just 17, his first for Arsenal, who have still to triumph in
this competition under Wenger.

In mitigation, Arsenal once again fielded a young team, although it
will gnaw away at their manager that he is yet to prevail over
Mourinho in seven meetings. But it was the disgraceful fight, in the
dying minutes of the contest, that will dominate. In the 47-year
history of the League Cup final, there have been only a total of three
sendings-off. Yesterday there were three in one game; in one incident.
It will also lead to an investigation by the Football Association with
both clubs likely to be charged with failing to keep control of their
players. "I'm worried, yes," said Wenger. "With the FA you always have
a good chance to worry."

The incident happened as John Obi Mikel pulled back Kolo Touré before
kicking the ball away. Both players reacted, punches were thrown and
Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas - who were both cautioned - also got
involved before other players and staff ran in.

Eventually, Mikel and Touré were dismissed, along with Emmanuel
Adebayor, who protested angrily over his innocence and had to be
pulled away by Arsenal physiotherapist Gary Lewin. He appeared to be
wronged but any appeal may be replaced with further punishment for
abusing the referee, Howard Webb, and failing to leave the pitch.

Webb, however, completely failed to punish Emmanuel Eboué for punching
Wayne Bridge off the ball and forcing him to the ground. The young
Ivorian is certain to face charges. It was utter chaos and, amid it,
Mourinho and Wenger dragged players apart.

"It was a brawl, a few punches were exchanged and not only for our
side," Wenger admitted. "If I can be guilty, OK, I will take it. But I
feel it was just tense.

"We lost our nerve with seven minutes to go. You must always keep your
nerve. And instead of losing it we should have taken the free-kick. It
was the best way to come back."

Wenger said he had three regrets - the chances his team missed, their
loss of nerve and also the performance of Webb who he accused of
making "bad decisions". Wenger said of the brawl: "I'm very
disappointed because I don't think it reflected the quality of the
game, because both teams went for it in a fair way. I hope that people
will keep a little bit in their mind that it was also a good football
game."

Mourinho agreed. "It was a pity what happened," he said. "It was
dramatic and difficult and maybe it was a consequence of frustration
and some boys lost their emotion.

"It is not time to think who is guilty, who is not guilty. It is time
to think good things. My player with a red card is John Mikel. If he
did something wrong it is not for me to kill him. It is for me to
educate him. My players say Eboué was more responsible than the
others. I don't know."

Instead it will be for the FA to decide.


Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1: Walcott dash of brilliance eclipsed as Drogba
makes experience tell
By Glenn Moore at the Millennium Stadium

There will have been many supporters yesterday morning, marooned on
the M4, or waiting in limbo on what used to be the Great Western
Railway, wondering whether this match could be worth the journey.
Improbably, it was. Cardiff's final final (probably), had everything a
football fan could wish for.

The Carling Cup final also threatened to be overshadowed by something
no one would desire, a serious injury. In the 57th minute John Terry
swallowed his tongue and turned blue after being accidentally kicked
in the throat by Abou Diaby attempting a header.

The England captain was carried off on a stretcher, his neck in a
brace, his face in an oxygen mask, then rushed to hospital. There,
thankfully, he proved no more than shaken, and was able to return to
the stadium, though not in time to collect the cup.

Chelsea could thus happily celebrate their fifth trophy under Jose
Mourinho. It was secured through two Didier Drogba goals following an
opening 20 minutes in which Arsenal's young tiros had threatened to
embarrass them.

In that spell, Theo Walcott scored his first goal for Arsenal, thus
becoming the second youngest man to score in a domestic final.
Drogba's first goal changed the mood of the game; his second was the
prelude to an extraordinary conclusion. Kolo Touré, angered by a foul
from John Obi Mikel, turned on the teenager, prompting a mass brawl
which drew both managers on to the pitch. When the dust had settled,
the referee Howard Webb sent off both men, Mikel seeing red for the
second time this season, and Emmanuel Adebayor. There had only been
three dismissals in the previous 46 finals.

While the travel difficulties were enough to tempt fans into turning
up at Wembley this morning, wearing hardhats and offering to help to
finish the job, one re-construction project which is clearly going to
plan is Arsène Wenger's at Arsenal. True to his word, the Frenchman
stuck by the young men who had shown so much potential in reaching
this final, sending out a team with an average age of 21. Chelsea, by
contrast, were at their strongest, Terry's swift recovery enabling
them to field the same team that played in Porto in the Champions
League.

Yet the opening stages were like a scene from Kindergarten Cop, the
movie in which Arnold Schwarzenegger's hardline policeman goes
undercover in a nursery school and gets the run-around from the kids.
Their lack of fear was immediately evident as they took the game to
Chelsea as if it was a schoolyard kickaround.

Petr Cech was tested by Cesc Fabregas, stretched by Julio Baptista,
and worried by Jérémie Aliadière within the opening 11 minutes. Then
Arsenal won a corner. They failed to threaten from set pieces
throughout the game but Chelsea only half-cleared this one. Walcott
played a one-two with Baptista and, having glided between Terry and
Ricardo Carvalho, curled a shot past Cech. He was the youngest scorer
since Norman Whiteside for Manchester United against Liverpool in the
1983 Milk Cup final.

Chelsea were bewildered. Terry, in particular, looked manifestly short
of training and fitness and needed Carvalho to cover him.

Then Arsenal suffered a momentary lapse of concentration of the sort
to be expected from a young team. Drogba was allowed to drift unmarked
behind Armand Traoré and Michael Ballack, in his only significant
intervention of the afternoon, found him with a chipped pass. The
Ivorian, perhaps marginally played onside by Philippe Senderos, a view
Wenger contested, scored with aplomb.

The goal enabled Chelsea to regain their poise. Though not looking
like champions they, subdued Arsenal's vibrant youth until the break.
Mourinho then withdrew Claude Makelele, bringing on Arjen Robben and
moving to 4-1-2-3 with Robben and Andrei Shevchenko playing off
Drogba.

There was no immediate improvement but, as the game opened out,
Chelsea became more penetrative with Robben running at Arsenal's
defenders in the way Denilson, Aliadière, Baptista and others had run
at his team. The dribbling was one of the most attractive features of
the game, and a reason for Webb having to book five players even
before the late fracas.

As the game picked up pace Diaby, Fabregas and Robben all went close.
Then came Terry's worrying injury. Gary Lewin, the Arsenal and England
physio, was first to him and it was immediately clear there was cause
for concern, prompting Steve McClaren, the England manager, to leave
his seat to check on his captain. In the event, assuming he is cleared
by a neurologist, Terry should play at Fratton Park on Saturday.

After his departure, Michael Essien dropped into central defence but
it was Arsenal who seemed most unsettled by the incident - in part
because Diaby also suffered injury, to his ankle. Drogba eased behind
Senderos but was denied by Manuel Almunia and Frank Lampard hit the
bar from 30 yards. Then, after Touré missed a free header at a corner,
Denilson lost possession, Chelsea worked the ball to Robben and Drogba
rose ahead of his "bunny", Senderos, to head his 28th goal of this
prolific season.

Three minutes later Shevchenko could have settled the game from
Drogba's lay-off but shivered the bar. Arsenal's frustration erupted
when Mikel pulled back Touré. The two traded punches, Fabregas and
Lampard piled in, then suddenly everyone was involved, even the
managers. In the mêlée Wenger argued with Steve Clarke, the Chelsea
coach, and Emmanuel Eboué appeared to floor Wayne Bridge. Eboué could
face punishment by video evidence, as might both clubs. "I am worried
the FA will look into this," admitted Wenger. Mourinho described it as
"a pity".

It is, in that it clouds the bigger picture which is that Chelsea's
indomitable will remains fierce, as does their manager's: he pointedly
held up four fingers and a thumb to the directors box, signifying the
five trophies (including the Community Shield) he has won at Chelsea.
He is also yet to lose to Wenger, but the Arsenal manager can take
great consolation from the quality of his young footballers. Cardiff
had a glimpse yesterday, of Wembley's future.

Goals: Walcott (13) 1-0; Drogba (20) 1-1; Drogba (84) 1-2.

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech; Diarra, Carvalho, Terry (Mikel, 63), Bridge;
Makelele (Robben, h/t); Essien, Ballack, Lampard; Shevchenko (Kalou,
90), Drogba. Substitutes not used: A Cole, Hilario (gk).

Arsenal (4-4-1-1): Almunia; Hoyte, Touré, Senderos, Traoré (Eboué,
66); Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby (Hleb, 68); Baptista;
Aliadière (Adebayor, 80). Substitutes not used: Djourou, Poom (gk).

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Booked: Arsenal: Denilson, Eboue, Fabregas. Chelsea: Essien, Carvalho,
Diarra, Lampard.

Sent off: Touré (90), Adebayor (90), Mikel (90).

Man of the match: Drogba.

Attendance: 70, 073.

Wenger's boys: The ages of the teams at the Millennium Stadium

* ARSENAL Manuel Almunia 29

Justin Hoyte 22

Kolo Touré 25

Philippe Senderos 22

Armand Traoré 17

Theo Walcott 17

Cesc Fabregas 19

Denilson 19

Abou Diaby 20

Jérémie Aliadière 23

Julio Baptista 25

Average age 21.6

* CHELSEA Petr Cech 24

Lassana Diarra 21

John Terry 26

Ricardo Carvalho 28

Wayne Bridge 26

Claude Makelele 34

Frank Lampard 28

Michael Ballack 30

Michael Essien 24

Andrei Shevchenko 30

Didier Drogba 28

Average age 27.1

Man-for-man marking at the Millennium Stadium by Jason Burt

Arsenal

* MANUEL ALMUNIA

Could have done better with Drogba's first goal and not a commanding
presence. 6/10

* JUSTIN HOYTE

Held his position well and tried to support Walcott. An increasingly
assured first-team performer. 6/10

* KOLO TOURE

Used his speed to snuff out Chelsea's attacks and had a great
opportunity with a second-half header - before completely losing his
head in the brawl at the end. 5/10

* PHILIPPE SENDEROS

Once again appeared unsteady when faced with his nemesis, Didier
Drogba. Once again at fault for the goals. Appeared unsure and
ponderous. 4/10

* ARMAND TRAORE

Often left exposed as Chelsea probed but made some swift recovery tackles. 6/10

* DENILSON

Rightly punished for rash challenges but also caught the eye with some
raking passes and great link-up play. 6/10

* ABOU DIABY

A willing runner, he caused problems with breaks before limping off
after being hurt in the challenge on Terry. 7/10

* CESC FABREGAS

Once again linked play wonderfully at times, prompting from midfield
and joining the attack. 8/10

* THEO WALCOTT

Took his goal wonderfully well but had a maddening habit of drifting
out of the game despite his pace. 6/10

* JULIO BAPTISTA

A constant, physical threat with his power and directness especially
in the first half when he ran riot. 7/10

* JEREMIE ALIADIERE

A clever, willing runner although he fell away in the second half
before being replaced. 6/10

SUBSTITUTES

* EMMANUEL EBOUE (for Traoré, 67) Exposed by Robben. Appalling
involvement in brawl. 3/10

* ALEXANDER HLEB (for Diaby, 69) Brought on to add guile but struggled
to get involved. 5/10

* EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR (for Aliadière, 81) made little impact - apart
from wrongly being given red card. 4/10

Chelsea

* PETR CECH

A fine save to deny Julio Baptista early on followed by an assured display. 7/10

* LASSANA DIARRA

Appeared to be what he is - a young midfielder playing at right-back.
Didn't hold his position well but got stronger as the game went on.
5/10

* RICARDO CARVALHO

A couple of brilliant last-ditch tackles. A strong, commanding
presence, he held the Chelsea defence together. 8/10

* JOHN TERRY

Made surprise return but simply didn't look fit. Uncomfortable
afternoon made worse by horrific-looking injury, although made full
recovery. 5/10

* WAYNE BRIDGE

Didn't provide any forward threat and struggled to contain Walcott's
pace. Also involved in brawl at end. 4/10

* CLAUDE MAKELELE

Substituted at half-time but had appeared one of Chelsea's better
performers in a patchy 45 minutes. 6/10

* MICHAEL ESSIEN

Full of running, full of energy and, once more, showed his
adaptability by playing in three different positions. 7/10

* MICHAEL BALLACK

Not quite so much a stroller as usual. Helped make Drogba's first goal
but still didn't impose himself. 6/10

* FRANK LAMPARD

As ever Chelsea looked to him to help haul them back into the contest.
Desperately unlucky to hit bar with vicious shot from distance. 7/10

* ANDREI SHEVCHENKO

Two early touches set the tone. Both times he ran the ball out of
play. Unfortunate with shot that hit the bar. 6/10

* DIDIER DROGBA

Scored with aplomb in first half and struck an even more accomplished
winner. Outstanding display. 9/10

SUBSTITUTES

* ARJEN ROBBEN (for Makelele h/t) Great run and cross for Drogba's
winner. Made a significant difference in attack. 7/10

* JOHN OBI MIKEL (for Terry, 63) Had used the ball well but
overshadowed by disgraceful involvement in brawl at the end. 3/10

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Chelsea snatch the cup that boils over

Kevin McCarra at the Millennium Stadium
Monday February 26, 2007
The Guardian

To Chelsea the trophy, to Arsenal the future. That division of spoils
might have seen the victors celebrating and the young losers still
feeling satisfied with themselves after a Carling Cup final that
entertained and excited for 90 minutes. The stoppage-time fracas,
however, sullied the match. Arsenal are left to prepare a response to
likely FA charges, but in private they must also ask hard questions of
themselves.
Chelsea were no paragons in this affair. The substitute Mikel John Obi
tugged on Kolo Touré's jersey and, eve n though exasperated, the
priority of Touré and his team, at 2-1 down, ought to have been
restarting play. As Arsenal captain, the centre-half had a
responsibility to bear that in mind, but could not suppress his rage.

He and Mikel were dismissed by the referee, Howard Webb, for their
part in the ensuing melee, as was Emmanuel Adebayor. Though the
striker may yet claim mistaken identity in the incident, in which
Wayne Bridge sprawled on the turf, his refusal to leave the pitch
until the physio Gary Lewin escorted him to the tunnel summed up the
breakdown in Arsenal's self-discipline.
Those lapses seemed all the more peculiar in a team who had such
shining grace about them for much of the afternoon. Arsenal should
have been leaving Cardiff with only compliments on making this an
exceptional final. As was inevitable in view of the opposing
philosophies, they were by far the more attractive side, even if that
simply compelled Chelsea to show even more resolve than usual and
twice tap that reservoir of goals, Didier Drogba.

Most had predicted that domination would pass to the older,
battle-hardened team as the day developed, but the situation of Jose
Mourinho's men might have been irretrievable by then. Almost
overwhelmed by the slick speed of Arsenal, they had to deal with the
loss of their captain, John Terry, who was rendered unconscious as
Abou Diaby booted him in the head in clearing after 57 minutes.

Adversity, though, is stimulating for Chelsea. Ricardo Carvalho, at
fault for the opener though he was, epitomised that trait in his
positioning and immaculate tackling. Against the fluently rampant
Arsenal of the first half, the centre-back was destined for acclaim or
notoriety. By the close the Chelsea supporters cherished him more than
ever.

Theo Walcott was entitled to feel for a while that this day would be
the key to open the adult phase of his career. The 17-year-old's first
goal came when he chased a lax clearance, turned, exchanged passes
with Diaby and lifted a finish high past Petr Cech in the 12th minute.

Shortly before that the Czech goalkeeper had tipped behind a 25-yard
shot by Julio Baptista, and there were more saves to follow. For a
while the main effect of Arsenal's inexperience was to leave Chelsea
looking superannuated. The passing and movement of Arsène Wenger's
line-up then were all too much for them, although a lack of a true
finisher meant that the damage to Chelsea was mostly limited to a
wounded dignity.

The self-belief came through unscathed. With 20 minutes gone, Michael
Ballack lifted the ball to the right and Drogba was kept onside by the
trailing foot of Philippe Senderos before he went through to shoot
past a tentative Manuel Almunia. The gradual transformation of the
final was in progress.

Arsenal waned and their bar was to be struck by both Frank Lampard,
with a 25-yard shot, and Andriy Shevchenko in the second half. The
balance of power was also tipped by Mourinho's astute replacement of
Claude Makelele with Arjen Robben. He neeeded the Dutchman to disrupt
a lively Arsenal by compelling them to spend more time covering and
tracking back.

Robben steered the exact cross for the winner that flew over Touré and
was headed in powerfully by Drogba with six minutes remaining. The
Ivorian had got himself in front of Senderos and the attacker
continues to be a one-man blight on the career of a defender who could
otherwise feel happy with his developing status.

Drogba now has 28 goals to his credit in this campaign and so far he
has been able to treat Chelsea's dependence on him as an honour.
Should his spirits sink at some stage in the season, the side's
effectiveness might decline as well. It is therefore vital to Mourinho
that Shevchenko regains the habit of scoring frequently. The Ukrainian
contributed spasmodically yesterday and is not yet a central figure.

Still, Chelsea have the Carling Cup as well as a reinforced
determination to take the other three tournaments still open to them.
If times really have been hard, it is a crisis for virtually everyone
else to envy.

Arsenal 4-4-2

Almunia; Hoyte, Touré ·, Senderos, Traoré ( Eboué ·, 67); Walcott,
Fábregas ·, Denilson ·, Diaby (Hleb, 69); Aliadière (Adebayor ·, 81).

Subs not used Djourou, Poom.

Chelsea 4-1-3-2 Cech; Diarra ·, Carvalho ·, Terry (Mikel ·, 63),
Bridge; Makelele (Robben, h-t); Essien ·, Ballack, Lampard ·;
Shevchenko (Kalou, 90), Drogba.

Subs not used Hilario, A Cole.

Referee H Webb.

Chelsea

Petr Cech 7
Great save to keep out Baptista and denied Diaby a one-on-one chance.
Another commanding performance despite one dropped cross

Lassana Diarra 5
Lucky not to concede a penalty when sliding into Baptista. Made
several other fouls but was only booked when blocking Diaby

John Terry 5
Way off the pace. Gamble to play backfired when he was concussed by
Diaby's boot as he bravely attempted to head in at a corner

Ricardo Carvalho 8
Slow to react to the danger of Walcott's presence for the goal but
fine interventions at the feet of Aliadière twice saved his team

Wayne Bridge 6
Dangerous when galloping down the left wing and crossing. Solid in
defence, closing off several of Walcott's runs

Claude Makelele 5
Not the usual defensive shield as Chelsea were often picked apart in
the first half. Robben's introduction changed the game for Chelsea

Frank Lampard 5
Some nice touches but his most memorable contribution was a
ferociously struck 28-yard shot that cannoned off the bar

MichaelBallack 6
Made the through- pass for Drogba's first goal and was always
unhurried in possession but once again failed to dominate midfield

Michael Essien 5
Booked for a challenge that planted his studs in Baptista's chest.
Quieter than usual in midfield but deputised well for Terry in defence

Andriy Shevchenko 6
His pace now diminished, the Ukrainian got behind Arsenal's defence
only once when his 89th-minute shot came back off the bar

Didier Drogba 8
Good finish for the equaliser after it had appeared he had been
offside. Winner from Robben's cross headed home deftly

Substitutes
Robben (for Makelele h/t), Mikel (for Terry 59),
Kalou (for Shevchenko, 90)
Not used Hilario, A Cole

Referee H Webb 6

Arsenal

Manuel Almunia 6
Had not touched the ball before Drogba shot between his legs to
equalise. Could do nothing about the winner

Justin Hoyte 6
Back from injury, his reluctance to get forward robbed Arsenal of his
crossing threat. Switched flanks after Traoré was taken off

Kolo Touré 5
Never really tested defensively. It was his indiscipline in reacting
to Mikel's shirt tug that sparked the 20-man brawl

Philippe Senderos 4
Inevitably it would be his slow reaction that played Drogba onside for
the equaliser and he who should be beaten to the header for the winner

Armand Traoré 7
One run took him behind the Chelsea defence but his shot was weak.
Always strong in the tackle to prevent overlapping runs

Theo Walcott 7
Created and exquisitely finished the goal that shocked Chelsea in the
opening stages. But his pace seldom impaled Chelsea again.

Cesc Fábregas 7
Early long effort denied by Cech, and another shot was dragged wide.
Made several key passes and never overawed by Chelsea's midfield

Neves Denilson 6
Not as influential as in previous rounds and struggled physically
against Chelsea's midfield but stuck assiduously to the task

Vassiriki Diaby 6
Should have restored Arsenal's lead when one-on-one with Cech.
Withdrawn for Hleb as Chelsea began to grip the game

Jérémie Aliadière 7
He troubled Terry with his pace, often allowing him beyond the
defence. Seemed strange that it was he, not Baptista, who was
substituted

Julio Baptista 4
Won a few flick-ons but too often dwelled on possession. Generally
poor with none of the late runs into box that make him dangerous

Substitutes
Adebayor (for Aladière 80), Hleb (for Diaby 69, Eboué (for Traoré 67)
Not used Poom, Djourou
Ratings by Matt Scott
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Mail:

Chelsea triumph in Snarling Cup
By NEIL ASHTON
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2

Chelsea and Arsenal face an FA inquiry after the Carling Cup Final
ended in shame with three players sent off.

The dismissals of Mikel John Obi, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor
soured Chelsea's 2-1 victory at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

The trio sparked extraordinary scenes which included Jose Mourinho and
Arsene Wenger racing on to the pitch to try to control their feuding
players.

There were also concerns for England skipper John Terry after he was
knocked unconscious and swallowed his tongue when accidentally kicked
by Abou Diaby.

But, proving it takes more than a kick in the head to keep him down,
the Chelsea captain returned from hospital to lead his side's
celebrations.

Mikel prompted the late brawl with a reckless challenge on Arsenal
captain Toure, who reacted by grabbing the Chelsea youngster round the
throat.

Adebayor was also dismissed after the ensuing melee and there will be
serious repercussions for both sides after the shocking scenes -
including a remarkable rumpus between midfielders Cesc Fabregas and
Frank Lampard - which overshadowed a fabulous match.

Adebayor said: "I don't know why I was sent off. The ref said it was
because I hit someone, but I don't remember hitting anybody. I wasn't
trying to hit the referee or beat him up when he sent me off. I just
wanted to know why."

Mikel said: "I admit I pulled Toure, but when I turned round he just
attacked me."

Mourinho claimed Arsenal's players reacted in frustration after goals
from Didier Drogba cancelled out Theo Walcott's opener.

"The incident at the end of the game was a pity, but I don't know who
was responsible," he said. "Maybe there was a lot of frustration in
the last part of the game and the boys lost their emotion. Some of
them lost their cool.

'I'm sure nothing major happened'

"It's not mine or Arsene Wenger's responsibility. Sometimes managers
have emotions, but I didn't know Mikel was going to do something. If
he has, then he will be punished.

"It is my job to educate. I went on the pitch because I was afraid for
the players and Wenger did the same."

Referee Howard Webb had grounds to send off Mikel and Toure, but
Adebayor can consider himself unlucky.

Wayne Bridge later claimed it was a case of mistaken identity and
accused Emmanuel Eboue of knocking him to the ground, but Wenger
insisted Chelsea also have a case to answer.

The Arsenal chief, who fielded a side with an average age of just 21,
said: "I am disappointed with the way it ended because it didn't
reflect the quality of the game.

"There were a few punches exchanged, but I can tell you they were not
only from our side. I feel responsible and guilty, but both teams
wanted to win.

"Of course I am worried about the FA, but when it's the FA we always
have a reason to be worried. I'm sure nothing major happened."

That will be for the FA to decide when they receive Webb's report this
morning, but there were also fears for Terry after his sickening
second-half clash with Diaby.

Terry was out cold on the pitch and after being treated by Arsenal
physio Gary Lewin, who had been patching up Manuel Almunia after he
was struck by a missile from the Chelsea end, it emerged the defender
had swallowed his tongue.

Play was held up for eight minutes while Terry - who was carried off
after twisting his ankle during the 1-1 Champions League draw with
Porto last Wednesday and only played yesterday after a painkilling
injection - was treated.

He was concussed and had to be given oxygen on the pitch before being
carried off on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace.

Mourinho, who turned to paymaster Roman Abramovich in the stand after
the game and signalled 'five' - two Premiership titles, two Carling
Cups and one Community Shield - added: "It is a terrible thing to
happen to JT and for a moment nothing else mattered.

"At first he didn't know the score, but he is slowly coming round and
we think he will be OK. It is terrible after all that has happened to
us this season. Every day I expect to be told another player is
injured or sick. It is always bad news."

The Chelsea manager added: "Don't forget this was an Arsenal team who
had beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton to reach the final. They
are a young team and they fight really hard.

"Our fans were fantastic. They know we have had happy moments and the
players have been fantastic.

"I know my bosses must be happy as well - that's why they gave me a
contract until 2010."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
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Sun:

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1

By SHAUN CUSTIS

IT should have been remembered as one of the great domestic cup finals.

The talk was going to be all about the brilliance of the Arsenal kids
and ace Chelsea predator Didier Drogba.

A first club goal for teenage prodigy Theo Walcott put the Gunners
ahead before the Chelsea lion roared and Drogba struck twice to carry
off the Carling Cup spoils.

There would have been hearty and well-deserved praise for the Gunners
— allied to a recognition the Blues had done a thoroughly professional
job against the little upstarts who at one stage threatened to
seriously embarrass them.

Instead, the afternoon was completely overshadowed by a scary injury
to Blues skipper John Terry, a shameful brawl and three sendings-off.

England defender Terry was accidentally booted in the jaw by Abou
Diaby, turned blue and almost swallowed his tongue before being taken
to hospital unconscious.

Incredibly, Terry was back at the Millennium Stadium an hour after the
end — although apparently he had no recollection of the game.

When his team-mates got round to telling him, Terry must have wondered
if he was still suffering from the after-effects.

As Arsenal pushed for the equaliser in time added on because of
Terry's trauma, Mikel John Obi tugged at Kolo Toure's shirt and all
hell broke loose.

The pair squared up, players from both sides piled in and managers
Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho ran on to sort it out — accompanied by
their physios and coaches.

Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard indulged in their own wrestling match
while Wayne Bridge ended up flat on the canvas, Audley Harrison-like,
apparently having been struck by Emmanuel Eboue.

Referee Howard Webb needed eyes in the back and sides of his head as
well as the front as the mayhem ensued.

The official stayed calm and stepped away from the carnage before
dishing out three red cards to Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Toure
and another for Chelsea's Mikel.

Adebayor, an 81st-minute sub, lost it completely. He was furious at
being dismissed and would not leave the pitch.

It seemed Webb may have mistaken Adebayor for being the one who thumped Bridge.

Gunners physio Gary Lewin eventually manhandled Adebayor off before
Thierry Henry, suited and booted for the day, led him up the tunnel.

That was not the type of celebration dance the two had in mind before
the start. This was more like a funeral march.

Toure was not best pleased about his fate either — while Mikel, whose
only offence seemed to have been the shirt tug, could count himself
unlucky.

Lampard and Fabregas were also fortunate to escape with a yellow card
each. Had three players not already been sent off, they might have
gone.

Webb played 12 added minutes before blowing the final whistle.

Mourinho celebrated by beating the Chelsea badge on his suit and
pointing to the fans, indicating his heart belonged to the club.

On another day it would have been big news and interpreted as a
message to Blues owner Roman Abramovich, who apparently would not
promise supporters he would keep the Special One next season.

Yesterday it was no more than a footnote.

Wenger stood by the kids who had got Arsenal to this final.

And they fully justified his faith, even if they did come up short in the end.

The average age of their 10 outfield players was 21 and they gave
Chelsea a right battle, particularly in the first half.

Petr Cech made a sensational save from Julio Baptista's 25-yard drive
before 17-year-old Walcott opened his Gunners account in the 12th
minute.

Walcott collected and played a one-two with Diaby before coolly
lifting the ball over Cech.

No one really expected the match to finish 1-0 because it was so open
— and Chelsea duly equalised on 20 minutes.

Michael Ballack, sluggish for most of the game, managed to find Drogba
with a ball over the top.

And the Ivory Coast striker, who was just onside, brought it down with
his right foot before slotting a shot between keeper Manuel Almunia's
legs.

Arjen Robben replaced Claude Makelele at half-time and Chelsea were a
different team, forcing Arsenal on to the back foot.

As Chelsea pressed, they won a corner which Robben delivered into the
six-yard box.

The ball popped up and Terry, who had made a miracle recovery from a
midweek ankle injury to play in the first place, bravely stuck his
head in to try and force the ball over the goal-line.

As he did so, Diaby's boot connected with his jaw, the ball flew over
the bar and Terry hit the ground with a thud — out cold.

Players from both sides knew it was serious.

They waved the physios on and Arsenal's Lewin, who also does the job
for England, was first on the scene.

Seven minutes ticked by before Terry was carried off in a neck-brace.

While the damaged ankle he suffered against Porto had not done for the
centre-back, it seemed this injury would.

We should have known better. The amazing Terry is turning into Superman.

Had he got back from hospital a little quicker he would have been out
on the pitch lifting the cup.

Chelsea kept up the pressure and Lampard rattled the bar with a
dipping 25-yarder before Toure sent a free header wide for Arsenal.

Then six minutes from time the irrepressible Drogba arrived again to
seal it with his 28th goal of the season.

Robben was the architect, crossing into the middle — and Drogba got
ahead of his old rabbit Philippe Senderos to divert a header into the
corner.

It was magnificent finishing from a striker on top of his game and
worthy of winning a cracking match.

Andriy Shevchenko almost bagged a third when he hit the bar with a
fierce right-foot shot.

But little did we know the real fireworks were still to come.

Mikel tugged Toure's shirt and off it went.

It is going to be busy in the FA's disciplinary department today.

There is a bucketload coming Arsenal's way.