Guus Hiddink is incredible. Taking Chelsea to the semi’s of the Champions League. Issuing belief and confidence into every player.
Picking up the scattered pieces that Scolari left lying on the cutting room floor and putting them all back together to create an aesthetically pleasing football side that produces results.
And an appointment with Everton on May 30 at Wembley.
But that is nothing compared to what he has done with one Ivory Coast frontman.
Guus Hiddink has transformed Didier Drogba, changing the previous sulking, “I want to leave” personality into a powerful, modern day beast on the football field. Hiddink has changed Drogba from just a dangerman into someone you simply do not want to have on the field with you.
But enough of how good Hiddink is. We’ve made the FA Cup Final, we’ve taken the road to Wembley all the way, and now only Manchester United or Everton stand in the way of our first piece of silverware in well, it seems like a while now.
Last night at England’s big shiny stadium we played our favourite London rivals, Arsenal. Wenger opted to play 19 year old Kieran Gibbs, and left Russian Andrei Arshavin on the bench. Hiddink played Anelka starting, with Kalou warming the wood tonight. John Terry returned to our shaky defence.
The first real chance Chelsea had was when Gibbs heroically saved Drogba’s header, thankfully for the Arsenal support. Theo Walcott was an absolute thorn in Chelsea’s side, the England international Arsenal’s main threat for the night. And it was he who popped up to slam it into Ashley Cole (of all people!) and score the opening goal. Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0.
Fortunately, Fabianski was 24 today, and in the words of Setanta Sport’s commentator, he was giving out all the presents. Florent Malouda, with a return to the form accompanied by a stylish new haircut was busy sending stand in right back Eboue on a merry dance – until he decided to shoot. On his right foot of all things! The Frenchman’s shot was impressive, beating the Arsenal stopper at his near post.
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 1 as we enter the break.
A slight scare for the Chelsea faithful, with John Terry looking a bit worse for wear. However he returned to the pitch to joyous cheers from the stands.
Arsenal’s main second half chance was well weighted ball from Walcott which Van Persie failed to capitalise on. Essien and Lampard were controlling the midfield well, but no chances were converted and it seemed we were headed for extra time. But…
Of course, no Arsenal clash would be done without a Drogba goal. And on 84 minutes, Didier popped up suddenly under Fabianski’s nose, and the Pole could only watch as his mistake led to the winning goal.
A late appearance for Nasri and Arshavin, but too little too late for Arsenal, and cue the celebrations as Chelsea triumph in the FA Cup semi-finals, and Hiddink extends his Chelsea stay until May 30.
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