The Match
We start with a moments silence to remember those connected with City who have died throughout the year.
As we get underway the big question is whether Chelsea will be affected by the loss of Frank Lampard shortly before the start, apparently due to a virus.
City certainly haven’t been daunted by the task ahead of them tonight and have started well in the opening moments.
After a tense first 15 minutes City created the first real opening, and a good move started by Joey Barton, was nearly finished by the same player. His ball released Vassell down the left, and the ball in found its way to the far post for Trevor Sinclair to squeeze it back to Barton who’s shot was well saved by Cech with his legs. City have started to ask a few questions of the visitors.
On 24 minutes the crowd were up again as Drogba first of all lost his footing then made a meal of falling over David James - no penalty and the Ivory Coast frontman was helped off the pitch with much derision from the City faithful.
City’s brightest players had been Vassell and Barton so far, and 10 minutes before the break the two had a hand in the Blues next lively move forward. Vassell’s pace and strength were in evidence again as the ball eventually ended up at Barton’s feet - but he could only drag a shot wide from outside the area.
A slip by Terry gifted the ball to Sinclair after 40 minutes wide on the right, but the ball in could only find a grateful Cech in the Chelsea goal.
As the half ended City were the dominant force, Chelsea restricted to the odd counter attack, as Pearce’s men clearly had their tails up. Barton firing a drive over again on 43 minutes.
HALF TIME: City 0-0 Chelsea
No changes at the break as City hope to keep the pressure on they had built-up throughout the first half.
Chelsea had the first sniff of the second 45 minutes though. Duff’s left-wing free kick found Terry, but his outstretched foot could only send the ball wide of James’ goal two minutes into the half.
The visitors looked to liven things up just short of the hour mark with a double substitution. Crespo and Robben on to replace Drogba and Duff.
Instead it was the home side who responded. Nedum Onuoha was well forward twice to good effect, forcing Chelsea onto the backfoot, unfortunately despite the pressure no real chance came from it.
After 72 minutes Bradley Wright-Phillips was brought on to a great ovation has he replaced Sibierski. The Frenchman looked to have picked up a hamstring injury as he was helped off.
Five minutes later it was the Champions on the break as Cole got away down the right, he fed Robben who jinked beyond Distin’s challenge only to fire a pressured shot goalbound which James put behind for a corner.
But Chelsea didn’t have long to wait for their next chance. A typical Chelsea away goal. Joe Cole bundled in after Gudjohnsen’s effort had fallen luckily for the away side. 79 minutes gone 0-1.
City continued to press for the goal they deserved so much. Lee Croft replaced Sinclair as Stuart Pearce hoped the change would bring a change in City’s luck as they certainly didn’t deserve to be a goal down.
One last throw of the dice saw Ireland come on for Thatcher with a minute to go.
City had thrown everything at Chelsea and only been undone by probably their second real attempt of the game.
Unfortunately, that’s the difference between Champions and those that challenge. A undeserved victory for the visitors - City can take heart from a solid performance though.
FULL TIME: City 0-1 Chelsea
