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
I honestly don't know whats wrong with Arsenal these days. Why the constant loss all of a sudden? Any internal problem? Why is Wenger leaving out Thiery Henry? It should be observed that a captain of a team do more to the positive morale of that particular team. France lost the World Cup because the morale then was killed - Zidane was sent off.
Wenger and his crew must know that Arsenal fans were not only in Europe, most Nigerian spectators always go for the gunners.
All thesame, I'm not associating the whole blame on Wenger, as sometimes, one miscalculates. But it should be noted that constant loss in any endeavour means something is wrong somewhere.
I wish Arsenal the best in its future matches, and that is why I'm a Gunner-for-life!
Wale Arole, Lagos, Nigeria/Lagos.
Wasn't nearly as good as Liverpool v West Ham, Rezwan? That game was characterised by almost total incompetence by both sides, punctuated by very occasional quality, only noticeable for how unexpected it was. Last year's FA Cup final was dramatic, but in terms of quality one of the worst in may a year. It was like Keystone kops for all the pratfalls and errors.
Harry, Birmingham,
Simon , Kings Langley, England
Fabregas was produced by Barca and "stolen" by Arsenal - using the loophole that players cannot sign a contract under 18 yrs in Spain.
Terry, london,
Simon,
What about Ronaldo? You're trying to say that Denilson is better?
come on...
Jamie, London,
Rezwan. Manchester United haven't a clue how to play the football that Arsenal played on Sunday and they haven't produced a player as good as Denilson (let alone Fabregas) for 12 years. And denouncing other teams for poor behaviour is pathetic given the team you support & managed by Ferguson. Your team is the worst of the lot.
As for anyone stating that Lampard tried to keep the peace at any stage is ridiculous. He was more culpable for the incident escalating than anyone including Toure & Mikel. His snarling words & aggression towards Toure were clearly not the actions of a peacekeeper and it was he who carried on long after everyone else had wanted it finished. Perhaps if he hadn't been totally outplayed throughout the match he may not have reacted as he did, but I doubt it. If there's any justice it's him the FA will ban for longest but being Frank Lampard he will probably get a commendation from them instead along with the disgraceful Bridge.
Simon , Kings Langley, England
Someone really should tell Wenger and Mourinho to control their players. Its hardly the first time they have started brawls on the pitch is it? Man U and Liverpool and for that matter most other teams are far more controlled on the pitch. Having said that I fail to understand why everyone is raving about the match. It wasnt nearly as good as Liverpool-West Ham. Arsenal played well in bursts though I am not that impressed by Denilson or Baptista and Chelsea only started playing well after Robben came on. Here's hoping that the FA Cup provides better football. Probably will if United make it to the final.
Rezwan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The managers did not become peacemakers, they made things worse, when the Chelsea manager went on to the pitch, he lectured Arsenal players, Wenger did the same with Chelsea players, making the managers part of the problem. Had the managers sorted out their own teams going on to the pitch might have been a good idea.
Frank H, London,
When is Jose Mohrinhio going to get the credit he deserves from sports writers in this country,? This is a man who has won two premiership titles in his first two seasons, in what is one of the most difficult leagues in the world , two carling cups and the charity shield, Yes he has spent a lot of money, but so have Real Madrid , and what have they won lately? Mohrinhio also won the champions leaugue with FC porto without a billionare owner behind him. Yet all Matt Dickisnon can do is sneer at the Chelsea manager for being cynical and claim he should just about avoid being dismissed. If Mohrinhio was British he would have been knighted by now., unfortumnately he eptiomises the three qualties the press can't stomach , he's cocky, he's successful, and he's foreighn!
Uche George, London, UK
The reports of this match seem to confirm that neither manager nor players in both teams have any understanding of what Cup competitions in the UK are really about and for too many of them, football has become solely a matter of fame and money. To this, the proper response is zero tolerance backed up by a fourth official with access to a continuous video record of the whole pitch.
R.I.P Friendship and Sportsmanship.
Chris., Leigh., UK
How can you say keep players 20 feet away. If I remeber correctly the pacers and the pistons had a punch up wich involved the players and the crowd and chair throwing, so yesterdays scuffle was milde mannered. Both teams were frustrated. Mikel shouldn't of grabbed the shirt of the other player, but lampard was keeping the peace. Arsenal have defiently got a team for the future their but chelsea at the end of the day were the better team, Robben came on and carved up the arsenal defence. Arsenal should of had three players sent off with the punch on bridge. Although I am very dissapointed at the way chelsea fans threw items at the players, there was no need for that and it was out of hand, I believe chelsea should be punished for that. However, it was a good game and bar the scuffle at the end it was smashing stuff!!!
James, London,
" My third regret is that the referee made some very bad decisions, vital decisions which you cannot afford to make in a game of that importance. The equaliser for Chelsea was offside and Adebayor was clean through without being offside. That is minor for [the media] but not for me." Arsene Wenger
The injustice suffered by Arsenal was disgraceful and very real.
hayward , bristol, uk
I agreed with Margaret...Lampard was so obvious not a peacemaker..I strongly believe he caused the free-for-all when he jumped in and rudely pushed the Arsenal players away....and when Fabregas hold Lampard with the intention to hurt...hell broke loose. Clearly, both Lampard and Fabregas should also be sent off...As a captain, SHAME on Lampard...
Ivan Mok, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ok, the FA would look into the brawl that took place in the stoppage time but the FA should also look at Chelsea for the behaviour of their fans.
It was a shame that Chelsea fans started to throw objects on Arsenal players because they were being outplayed.
The refereeing was awful... Drogba's fisrt gaol was not ruled offside while Adebayor who was in a much better position was ruled offside by the same assistant.
Schevchenko twice deliberatlety fouled Arsenal players without even having a word from Mr Webb.
Shame on Mr Webb.
randhir, Arsenal, mauritius
If Lampard had not got involved in the scuffle, would anyone have known that he was playing? Other than one shot, I can't remember him making any other notable contribution
Andrew, London,
I studied it in slow motion and it seems Lampard was trying to stop things but was grabbed by Fabregas around the neck and dragged away...when a kid grabs you by the neck!?
Totally indicitive of the Arsenal...if their Manager continually whinges about injustices...his youthful team will react in a similar way. They had a free kick in a dangerous position and should look to score a goal not get in a punch-up. If you field a team of babies you can expect nothing less...
Chris C, chiang mai, Thailand
Arsenal deserve a huge amount of credit for thier approach to all the carling cup matches. If anyone has re-invograted a dead trophy it is the Arsenal youth players.
GDavis, essex, essex
The referees does not done he job well. Mikel should given foul at early before the players start for brawling. The lack of late respond decisions in important game sometime create emotional between both team players. FA should taken action for adebayor because of lost control on the pitch.
Aniway, it was good game for wenger side for playing young guns at final. The quality and talents shown that this team will represent future for arsenal.
Tommy, Kl, Malaysia
This must give impetus to Chelseas season,but in the final analysis I think Wenger will be more satisfied with his young guns.At times their football was sublime his main problem will be picking his best team.
ernie halpin, London, Uk
Lampard did not look like a peacemaker to me...All he did was throw more salt on the wound. That's why the FA needs to do something about players, including the captains, who take it upon themselves to get involved. Leave it up to the ref. All players stay at least 20 feet away.
Margaret Dillon, Litchfield, USA/Connecticut