Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea – 25/02/07 – (Carling Cup Final) 25 February, 2007

Proud.

Haven’t much time for a full match report but what a day it was. I arrived in Cardiff about 11 o’clock and headed to the gatekeeper pub for the pre-match banter. As I entered the stadium Ljungberg, Lehmann and Clichy + some more were entering. I got a nod of approval from Mad Jens for my “Leeeeeeeeeeee-man, Leeeeeeeeeeee-man” and a high five from Freddie. My seats were 3rd row, behind the goal but more in line with the edge of the box. It was a fantastic atmosphere and well done to the Gooners for travelling so far for a game nobody expected us to win.

It was Arsenal reserves vs. Chelsea 1st team and we started the much better side. Theo scored in the 12th minute and what a finish it was, his first for Arsenal and what I time to get it. I went ballistic and my shins still hurt. We were on top but Drogba equalized 9 minutes later with a clearly offside goal. The first half was all Arsenal and we should’ve been winning. Not only should’ve Drogba been flagged offside again, but we had so many chances; we really should’ve scored again.

Half time came and it was 1-1. It was all set up nicely for the 2nd half. Things carried on in Arsenal’s favour and we looked the most likely to score. Chelsea brought on Robben for Makelele and half time to try and shake things up but Traore was immense. On the hour mark there was a bit of drama when Terry was knocked out cold. It was a Chelsea corner and the ball was whipped in, the was a bit of a goalmouth scramble with people trying to get any sort of touch they could on the ball. This was up the other end so I couldn’t see what was going on but next thing I know Terry’s on the floor with players from both sides screaming towards the touchline in desperation. You could tell it was bad and the first man on the scene was Arsenal’s Gary Lewin.

I only saw the incident a few minutes ago when I got home, Diaby went to clear the ball putting his foot through the ball as hard as he could but he made the connection square in Terry’s face and he was gone before he even hit the floor. He was rushed hospital but was back at the stadium 2 hours later. I’ve heard he doesn’t remember anything that happened that day and that Diaby had a tear in his eye when he was coming off; with the reaction his injury got from the players it looked as if he could’ve been killed. But you missed the target Abou; you’re supposed to go for the bollocks.

The game was a bit more even now and I could feel a goal coming and with 6 minutes of normal time to go Drogba got the winner with a great header. I knew the game was over. We tried to inspire the lads on but it wasn’t to be. There were 7 minutes added time so you thought maybe we had a chance but not after all the sendings offs we didn’t: Toure had his shirt pulled by Mikel and reacted violently and everyone joined in this massive brawl. The coaching staff and officials all ran on to the pitch to try and sort it out. It got really heated and it’s nice to see the youngsters hate Chelsea as much as the fans do. I still haven’t seen exactly what happened yet but in the end Adebayor, Toure and Mikel. There’ll probably be some sort of discipline from the FA for this but oh well.

Personally I don’t think it ruined the day. I had a fantastic time but hopefully I won’t have to go all the way to Cardiff anymore. Thanks for the memories, well done the kids. I would talk about every play individually but I don’t think it’s worth it; they were all incredible. I think a special mention must go to Diaby though, it’s beyond me how me wasn’t man of the match.

Sorry about the shit quality of the report, only just got back and I’m knackered. Also I’m going to Edinburgh in the morning and I’ve still got bits and pieces to sort out. I won’t get a chance to update the blog until next weekend, but hang tight and I’ll be back with a Reading match report. See you then, have a good week.