Didier Drogba double helps Chelsea through
By John Ley
Sport.Telegraph, 29th November 2007
With Christmas less than a month away Chelsea banished the ghost of managers
past with another hugely impressive performance, to move into the knockout
stages of the Champions League with a game to spare. Norway traditionally
gift Trafalgar Square a Christmas tree; last night, Christmas came early for
Chelsea in Norway.
Jose Mourinho's last act as Chelsea manager was to see his side stumble to
a draw with Rosenborg on the opening day of the competition, but two goals
from Didier Drogba and a third by Alex before half-time confirmed a
stimulating victory. Joe Cole's second-half goal extended their advantage
and even Chelsea's fans got into the festive spirit early, singing "Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to see Chelsea
win away".
On that September evening Chelsea's Champions League aspirations took a jolt
in what was to prove Mourinho's final game. A half-empty Stamford Bridge saw
a lack-lustre performance and, at the time, it was hard to imagine Chelsea
in the position they found themselves on a considerably colder night.
Mourinho left, Avram Grant was controversially appointed and, in Norway, he
confirmed Roman Abravomich's decision was a prudent one by steering Chelsea
a step closer to their Holy Grail with a hugely impressive performance.
The Scandinavian snow had relented but it was still bitterly cold with a
slippy surface made worse by rain earlier in the day. With both sides
needing a win, the stakes were high and the atmosphere in the Lerkendal
Stadion tense.
Chelsea were still without key figures such as Petr Cech, Paulo Ferreira,
Ricardo Carvalho, Florent Malouda and Michael Ballack. But Drogba, missing
when these teams met two months ago, was back in place of Andrei Shevchenko
while Claude Makelele, Cole and Alex returned, for Steve Sidwell, Salomon
Kalou and Tal Ben Haim.
Having beaten Valencia home and away, Rosenborg should have started
confidently, but the Norwegians appeared nervous and after a succession of
early attacks, Chelsea took the lead.
Drogba had already troubled Rosenborg, finding the side-netting with a
first-minute effort and shooting narrowly wide soon afterwards. And, in the
eighth minute, Cole's strongly-hit attempt was only parried by Lars
Hirschfeld, the former Spurs goalkeeper. The ball fell to Drogba, albeit at
an acute angle, but the striker responded with a marvelous half-volley over
the Canadian.
Chelsea continue to improve under Grant and this was the perfect start.
Rosenborg responded, for the first time, with a speculative long-range shot
from Marek Spara which bounced off the chest of Carlo Cudicini but the
Chelsea goalkeeper gathered at the second attempt.
Chelsea were soon taking advantage of midfield mistakes and Michael Essien
tested Hirschfeld again, the goalkeeper diving to his left to save. But,
by the 20th minute, Drogba had extended Chelsea's advantage.
A long ball into the Rosenborg area caused confusion and after two failed
attempts to clear Drogba seemed to push Essien out of the way before firing
the ball high into the net with another exhibition of sublime finishing.
Drogba took his tally in 38 Champions League games to 21 goals and Chelsea
were almost three goals to the good in the 28th minute when Frank Lampard
attempted an audacious chip that Hirschfeld just saved on the line,
juggling the ball precariously before taking it under his control.
Fellow England international John Terry made a tremendous challenge on
Steffen Iversen at another brief Rosenborg flurry, but Chelsea finished
the half in overall control, with Alex securing the third goal before the
interval.
In the 40th minute Cole was fouled by Alexander Tettey and Alex was allowed
to send a low, right-foot free-kick from 30 yards through a crowded area and
into the left-hand corner.
Cole claimed the fourth, in the 73rd minute, finishing off a a move after
Essien's shot had been parried by Hirschfeld.
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