Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final

Surprisingly and contrary to previous Carling Cup matches, JM decided to play Petr Cech instead of King Carlo. With a flying save from a Ronaldo shot in the dying minutes, was JMs decision justified? Who knows! But King Carlo knows that despite being overlooked this evening, he gets the nod for the final. All that remains is for JM to name the rest of the team.

Until the introduction of Wayne Rooney for Fortune with about thirty minutes remaining Utd couldn't penetrate a well marshalled and stubborn Chelsea defence, led superbly by King John and camoed by his sidekick Gallas.

Chelsea took the lead despite Man Utd having the lions share of possession in the 29th minute. Frank Lampard started the move in the centre circle laying the ball forward to Robben who in turn switched a pass out to Chelsea's left to Drogba. Lampard continued his run untracked and as Drogba hit a low cross into the penalty area, Lamps took one touch and with his second hit a low shot passed Howard in the Utd goal to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.

Chelsea continue to answer the questions of many critics, many teams and no doubt many supporters, but were unable to keep Man Utd out and Ryan Giggs scored an equaliser which was to further test Chelsea's resolve and team unity. Gary Neville attacking the Stretford End, hit a hopeful ball in the area, John Terry got caught behind Ryan Giggs and as Giggs stuck out a foot, the ball looped over Cech who had advanced slightly of his line. After the equaliser the tempo and atmosphere were raised and Chelsea battled to keep United at bay.

The best of the action was saved for the last seven minutes. Both teams played for the winner, and the game flowed from end to end. In the 85th minute Damien Duff swept a hopeful free-kick into the area, the ball sailed over all players, defenders and attackers alike, and sailed into Tim Howard's goal. 2-1 to Chelsea. Cardiff beckoned. But it didn't end there. Ryan Giggs slammed a corner kick into Chelsea's area, an unmarked Silvestre met the ball plum with his head, Cech was beaten but Bridge cleared off the line. There was still time for Cech to save brilliantly before Rob Styles ended the match and the jubilation on the faces of the Chelsea players and staff showed how much they want to win this trophy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE!

v Man Utd (L) W1-0

v Birmingham (L) W1-0

v C Palace (L) W2-0

v Southampton (L) W2-1

v Aston Villa (L) D0-0

v PSG (CL) W3-0

v Spurs (L) D0-0

v Middlesbrough (L) W1-0

v Porto (CL) W3-1

v Liverpool (L) W1-0

v Man City (L) L0-1

v CSKA Moscow (CL) W2-0

v Blackburn Rovers (L) W4-0

v West Ham Utd (CC) W1-0

v WBA (L) W4-1

v CSKA Moscow (CL) W1-0

v Everton (L) W1-0

v Newcastle Utd (CC) W2-0

v Fulham (L) W4-1

v Bolton (L) D2-2

v PSG (CL) D0-0

v Charlton Athletic (L) W4-0

v Fulham (CC) W2-1

v Newcastle Utd (L) W4-0

v Porto (CL) L1-2

v Arsenal (L) D2-2

v Norwich City (L) W4-0

v Aston Villa (L) W1-0

v Portsmouth (L) W2-0

v Liverpool (L) W1-0

v Middlesbrough (L) W2-0

v Scunthorpe Utd (FAC) W3-1

v Man Utd (CC) D0-0

v Tottenham Hotspur (L) W2-0

v Portsmouth (L) W3-0

v Man Utd (CC) W2-1