FA Cup Quarter Final Replay: Spurs 1 Chelsea 2
Ash Tops Celebration
By dixon9
March 29 2007
2 great goals and the ability to apply extra concentration at all times was what separated the two London sides. The north London club and it’s fans will feel very disappointed about losing their opportunity to be that step nearer to be the first to play at the new Wembley in the FA Cup.
They had been 1-3 up during the first “leg” of this tie, however, they should take solace in the fact that they have provided the stiffest opposition - domestically or on the continent - for
As we expected, this was an intense, passionate encounter worthy of the category FA Cup London derby and I wonder how many Arsenal fans must have grudgingly watched a match of two teams with rewards still to play for this season between two sides they loathe? Chelsea have already made their contribution to the shift in balance of power in London football and Spurs, if able to sustain their recent progress during this latter part of the season, may also make theirs. The atmosphere was electric with both sets of fans being in full voice throughout.
When I heard that Mourinho was going to make a slight rotation in the team and then that Essien was STILL going to be rested along with Robben on the bench, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling slightly concerned – I needn’t have been because the “Special One” once more proved that he knows his onions.
Wright-Philips, as against Sheffield Utd, was again employed alternating between playing in what essentially is a central midfield position and the right flank. Mikel Obi had an immense game in the “Makelele” position and with Terry providing the base of the central spine, the Spurs attack found themselves with nothing like the comparative free reign they had at
Jol continued with his attacking trident utilising Lennon, Berbatov and Keane and in the opening period, alarm bells rang out once again when Berbatov supplied a sublime drag back for Keane which was dramatically blocked by the rapidly reacting Ashley Cole. Berbatov soon after directed a header goalwards but this was comfortably gathered by Cech.
I honestly don’t know how a man of his stature has such a powerful shot and the young Londoner seemed to revel in his new position to such a degree I doubt if this is the last time we’ll see him used in this way – yet another string to our bow.
The first half didn´t have any real other clear cut chances but nonetheless, it was one of the most intriguing 45 minutes I’ve seen this season – Spurs were determined and displayed guile whilst Chelsea were resilient and supremely focused.
The second half began with the north London side pressing and probing, and whilst we coped without too much incident it looked as if we were going to be on our back foot too much for my liking - but then, a moment of pure ecstasy arrived in the name of Andriy Shevchenko.
Wright-Phillips ran forward eating up the yards with surprisingly long strides and passed the baton to Shevchenko on the right. The Ukrainian thrust forward and then cut back into the Tottenham box before unleashing what I can only describe as a guided missile into the far, top left-hand corner of the net - Robinson left perplexed on his goal-line. It was a goal of such quality that when it happens there are a few milli-seconds of silence before the crowd realises what has happened and then erupts. The odd chant of “What a waste of money!” from Spurs fans towards the Ukrainian during the first half was returned with gusto from the Chelsea faithful – that particular song wasn’t to be heard again at White Hart Lane!
What must be one of the contenders of goal of the season left Tottenham empty and dismayed after they had enjoyed the early pressure of the 2nd half and it wasn’t long, just 7 minutes later when the final nail in the coffin was hammered in by Wright-Phillips. Cole, much abused by Spurs fans throughout the match, again ran forward and again provided a chest height ball for Drogba, the Ivorian Coastman twisted and provided a superb chest lay off for Wright-Phillips who drilled his shot into the far right hand corner. 0-2!
Spurs then began to pressure desperately in order to reduce the gap but only met a brick wall consisting of Mikel and Terry and holes soon started to appear in their rearguard. Shevchenko was soon to take advantage and was clean through on goal only for the opportunity to be given (unfairly) offside.
Berbatov clean through in our box was brought down by Carvalho and the referee didn´t hesitate in pointing towards the penalty spot. I must be honest and say I really don’t know why Carvalho was not sent off or even booked for the offence – it was as almost as if the ref wasn’t convinced about his own decision and in compensation, didn´t reach into his pocket for that dreaded, luminous red card.
The goal sparked Spurs into life but even with over 5 minutes of extra time they weren’t to make any more threats on goal against a resilient
At the final whistle, the
Despite this last incident, we had witnessed one of the toughest and memorable cup ties for some time – the atmosphere, goals and sheer intensity of the game I shall savour for some time.
Spurs (4-3-2-1): Robinson; Chimbonda, Dawson, Rocha, Lee; Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque (Defoe 64); Lennon, Keane; Berbatov.
Subs: Cerny (g), Stalteri, Ghaly, Huddlestone.
Booked: Chimbonda.
Subs: Cudicini (g), Boulahrouz.
Booked: Diarra, Drogba, Cech, Shevchenko.
Man of the match: Shaun Wright-Phillips (
Referee: M Atkinson (