In Off His Knee
By BlueBlood
August 22 2005
The game itself wasn't a spectacle and although Jose Mourinho said it was all about points and not a 'title' decider, Arsene Wenger claimed that the winners of this game would have the edge over everyone else, both teams played a game of football that neither wanted to lose.
Chelsea got off to the brighter start. Lehmann foiling Duff at the edge of the area with a despairing dive. Ljungberg clearing off the line from a Del Horno header and later on in the half, after another break down the right (Arsenal's left) Lehmann saved with his face from an Arjen Robben scuff shot. Meanwhile at the other end. Henry hit a measured shot just past Cech's left hand post. Ljungberg hit a shot from an acute angle over the bar before crashing into the advertising boards. Minutes later Ljungberg was replaced the Van Persie. And Chelsea was fortunate not to have conceded a penalty when Cole went tumbling over Gallas' outstretched leg. There was a major surprise in Chelsea's line up at the start. JM had decided to start with Hernan Crespo instead of Didier Drogba, who in the Community Shield had given young Senderos quite a battering. JM must have realised his error in judgement as Drogba came on for Crespo at the start of the second half. Immediately Drogba set about his young opponent in his gangling Drogba style and was almost rewarded when the ball fell at his feet, but Drogba slashed wildly and sent the ball way over the bar. This caused Drogba some consternation as he found himself arguing with a fan at the Matthew Harding end. Still chances were few and far between. On the hour Michael Essien came for his debut replacing Gudjohnsen and Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced Arjen Robben. The goal itself came right out of the 'lucky' top drawer. In the 72nd minute Frank Lampard lofted a free-kick into the Arsenal penalty area and like in the Community Shield, Drogba got himself in front of Senderos and as the ball bounced it struck Drogba's knee past the despairing dive of Lehmann and rolled into the net in front of the jubilant Matthew Harding Stand.
Drogba's celebration was two fold. One of joy and relief and the second was of sheer embarrassment. Drogba even remembered to look his verbal assailant to remonstrate once again - no doubt shouting - 'Who's the Man?' The goal galvanised Arsenal. Henry had their first shot on target from distance which had Cech turning the ball round the post. Cole was booked for a tackle on Essien, Senderos booked for a foul on Drogba. After the events of the past week and although it wasn't a great performance, it was a performance and result that sent the fans in Blue home happy, including yours truly. And now the defending champions have two wins from two. Another club record was broken yesterday. Chelsea has now gone 39 consectutive home games (in all competitions) without being beaten. The previous record of 38 matches unbeaten was achieved between April 1910 and February 1912.