Drogba, Essien tamed by rampant Song's Arsenal

Something had to give in this most crucial of fixtures in the English Premier League.

Arsenal came into this fixture knowing that the mental advantage stood overwhelmingly in the Blues corner. Everyone kept trumpeting the Drogba stat: 13 goals in 11 games vs Arsenal in all competitions. And when the game started, the Ivorian looked decidedly intent on inflicting more damage.



Alex Song started imposing himself onto the game early on, and his efforts were rewarded just before halftime, after Fabregas looked to have been fouled by Ferreira in the build up.



The second half saw Marouane Chamakh (Morocco) thrown into the fray but not before Arsenal had gone 3-0 up. Drogba had to have his way though, as Chelsea scored a consolation through Branislav Ivanovic's header from the Ivorian's freekick.


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Simão | Myspace Video

Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Mikel Obi did not do much, as per their standards, and the result leaves Ancelloti wondering what his fate would be.

Update #1:

Here's proof of how Song was instrumental fared in the game. Thanks to Guardian Chalkboards.


 by Guardian Chalkboards

Update #2:


Thanks to @Orbinho for this: the pass completion rate for Chamakh was 100%, Drogba - 63%, Mikel - 87% and Essien - 87%.

Yaya, Eto and Drog are the only Africans in Ballon d'Or shortlist

Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto'o and Drogba are the only Africans shortlisted in the 30 players put down for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Here's the full list:

Andreï Arshavin (Russia, Arsenal)
Karim Benzema (France, Lyon/Real Madrid)
Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United/Real Madrid)
Diego (Brazil, Werder Brême/Juventus Turin)
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea)
Edin Dzeko (Bosnia, Wolfsburg)
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, FC Barcelona/Inter Milan)
Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal)
Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool)
Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid)
Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
Ryan Giggs (Wales, Manchester United)
Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux)
Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelona)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Inter Milan/FC Barcelona)
Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Julio Cesar (Brazil, Inter Milan)
Kakà (Brazil, Milan AC/Real Madrid)
Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)
Maicon (Brazil, Inter Milan)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
Luis Fabiano (Brazil, FC Séville)
Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich)
Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)
John Terry (England, Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United)
David Villa (Spain, Valence)
Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast, FC Barcelona)

Didier Drogba seems to be unable to do any wrong at all. He has scored goal number 6 for the Blues and he's keeping his tally intact. He's also provided 3 assists in the last 7 games, too.

Yet, some lazy play meant that Drog's equalizer counted for nothing as a spirited Wigan beat them convincingly 3-1.

Wigan 3 - Chelsea 1 (MOTD)

The Sun: Adebayor's going to Milan for £15m

Even though I do not terribly trust The Sun, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

According to the paper's site, Adebayor is going to be offered a sizzling amount of cash in pounds by the Italian giants:

"AC MILAN will make a bid of £15million for Emmanuel Adebayor this week.

The Serie A club are desperate to give their fans some positive news after Carlo Ancelotti's departure for Chelsea and Kaka's impending exit from the San Siro.

Milan offered £25m for the Arsenal striker last summer but the bid was turned down.

Their valuation has decreased after a mediocre season from the Togo international.

Adebayor netted 16 times last term - which was a huge disappointment after his 30-goal return the season before.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is willing to sell the 25-year-old as he attempts to rebuild a side which struggled to finish fourth in the Premier League last term.

Milan were interested in Didier Drogba but, as SunSport revealed two months ago, the striker is to be offered a new deal by Chelsea.

Drogba, 31, is likely to agree a three-year contract next month."

I leave it to you to do the believing.

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Finally, El Drog gives up the fight

Chelsea ace Didier Drogba has admitted he will accept whatever punishment UEFA give him for his outburst after the Champions League semifinal.

Incensed by decisions made by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in the second leg against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, Drogba ranted at the official and repeatedly swore into a live television camera.

He could be banned for up to six games but has apologised for the tirade and said:

"It's not easy but I think that whatever I did and the decision they take I will accept it because my behaviour was not what UEFA and everyone wants to see in a football stadium.

"I will do my suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger."

Phew. I have to say that I've been waiting for him to be a sport and laugh it off.
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Chelsea are FA Champs. Drogba did his part.

As always, there was an African element in a trophy win.

This time, at Chelsea, beating Everton 2-1.

Didier Drogba, the African was!



Essien was subbed on the hour but still...Go Africa!

Check out their ratings by the Chelsea blog.
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