Sat, 24th Nov 2007
The last time Chelsea played at Pride Park, there was a minor earth tremor during the game. There was nothing quite so dramatic this time although a sending-off to Michael Essien in stoppage time put a dampener on an otherwise clinical away win.
Goals from Salomon Kalou in the first-half and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the second ensured that the bottom club were overcome as we once again made light of a two-week break during which most of our players were away.
The line-up reflected the rigours of international duty with the fresh Sidwell and Mikel chosen in midfield while Essien and Makelele, who both played two internationals, were either on the bench in the former case or not involved at all in the latter.
Shevchenko came in for the injured Drogba, flanked by Kalou and Wright-Phillips. Returning at left-back was Ashley Cole for his first Chelsea action in six weeks.
The Derby fans amused themselves from the off by booing our England players every time they were on the ball, even those not on the wet Wembley pitch last Wednesday.
The line-up reflected the rigours of international duty with the fresh Sidwell and Mikel chosen in midfield while Essien and Makelele, who both played two internationals, were either on the bench in the former case or not involved at all in the latter.
Shevchenko came in for the injured Drogba, flanked by Kalou and Wright-Phillips. Returning at left-back was Ashley Cole for his first Chelsea action in six weeks.
The Derby fans amused themselves from the off by booing our England players every time they were on the ball, even those not on the wet Wembley pitch last Wednesday.
On 16 minutes it all clicked for Chelsea. Mikel, Lampard and Sidwell passes cut through the Rams' defence like a knife through butter and Kalou was calmness personified as he took a touch and then slotted home low. It was the Ivorian's third goal this week.
Seventy-two minutes in came the game's most controversial moment and Chelsea's second goal. Shevchenko, having just been disposed himself, won the ball back with a robust challenge on Barnes.
The ball was worked up to Lampard who danced around several tackles before smashing a shot against the post. Wright-Phillips collected and fired the rebound in.
The ball was worked up to Lampard who danced around several tackles before smashing a shot against the post. Wright-Phillips collected and fired the rebound in.
Two minutes into added time came the red card, a straight one to Essien for what was an open-handed push-off into the face of Miller. He will miss the West Ham, Sunderland and Arsenal games.
A fourth consecutive away league win moves Chelsea up to fourth in the table.
A fourth consecutive away league win moves Chelsea up to fourth in the table.
Chelsea Cudicini; Belletti, Ben-Haim, Terry (c), A Cole; Sidwell (Essien 73), Mikel, Lampard (Pizarro 89); Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko, Kalou.
Scorers Kalou 16, Wright-Phillips 72.
Booked A Cole 75.
Sent-off Essien 90+2.
Derby Bywater; Griffin, Moore, Davis, McEveley; Fagan (Earnshaw 84), Oakley (c) (Feilhaber 83), Leacock, Jones, Barnes (Howard 74); Miller.
1 comment:
O que é que deu na cabeça do Essiem parafazer aquilo?
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