sunday papers FA cup final everton 2-1

Observer:
Frank Lampard delivers FA Cup delight for Chelsea despite Everton's dream start
Chelsea 2 Drogba 21, Lampard 72 Everton 1 Saha 1
Paul Wilson at Wembley

Everton scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, but were not strong enough to hold off Chelsea for the 89 minutes and 35 seconds that remained, Frank Lampard's elegantly struck ­second-half winner deservedly providing Guus Hiddink with a well-earned leaving present.
This is the first trophy Chelsea have won since Jose Mourinho signed off his silverware account with victory against Manchester United here two years ago, and as the outstanding Florent Malouda was unlucky to be denied a third goal with a shot that bounced down from the crossbar and over the line, there was no case for arguing that they were not ­worthy winners.
Everton brought the best support – it is quite a feat outsinging your rival ­supporters to a Z-Cars theme that has no words – but had to be content in the end with soaking up the rousing Cup final atmosphere their fervour had gone a long way to creating. Even the ­Chelsea cheers as the Cup was raised were muted, one appreciatory roar for ­Hiddink apart, whereas had it been Everton going up the steps the din would have been a ­danger to passing aircraft.
But Chelsea have seen a few trophies and finals in the past few years – they know the drill. While Everton could not quite rise to the occasion in the manner of their magnificent fans, they had a good go and did not let anyone down.
Hiddink took so long to emerge from the dressing room afterwards there was speculation he might have changed his mind about leaving, but no. "I apologise for the delay," he said. "We've all just been having a nice farewell dance party. This is almost the perfect farewell, though I must say it would have been even better had we been in the other final a few days ago. It is not just that I wanted to be in Rome, but I would love to have played Manchester United and I never got the chance. I am glad to have won this trophy before leaving, though. This club must win some silverware every season."
Everton did not just get off to the best possible start, they got off to the best Cup final start ever, Louis Saha's goal after 25 seconds beating Roberto di Matteo's 43-second opener in 1997 and finally ­settling an ancient argument about a goal thought to have been scored between 30 and 40 seconds in 1895. There is no question that Saha now has the quickest ever, hitting a left-foot shot on the turn past Petr Cech from the edge of the area after Chelsea had failed to clear the first ­Steven Pienaar cross from the left.
No one was expecting that, though Everton were hampered in their attempts to hang on to their lead by the inability of Saha and Marouane Fellaini to hold the ball in forward positions, meaning that Chelsea kept coming forward, and Tony Hibbert's unequal contest with Florent Malouda. The Everton right-back had already been struggling to contain the winger when he was booked for a cynical foul in the eight minute. That made his life even harder, though it did not excuse his continued wandering out of position.
It was no great surprise when ­Chelsea got back on terms midway through the first half, still less that Malouda was the provider. Found by Frank Lampard in plenty of space on the left, he sent over the sort of cross that Didier Drogba thrives on, the centre-forward easily muscling out an earthbound Joleon ­Lescott to give Tim Howard no chance with a close-range header.
David Moyes sensibly replaced Hibbert with Lars Jacobsen after ­Everton made it to the interval without further damage, and pulled Fellaini back into midfield, where he had proved more effective, to allow Tim Cahill to get ­farther forward. Everton enjoyed their best spell after that and the game was quite open for a while, with Saha missing an excellent chance from a Leighton Baines cross in the 67th minute. Drogba went close from Malouda three minutes later at the other end.
Lampard stumbled then recovered to settle the issue with a left-foot drive from outside the area that just eluded Howard's dive, before Malouda missed a relatively simple chance following outrageous crossfield passing between Drogba and Ashley Cole, then "scored" with an astonishing 35-yard shot that hit the bar to bounce behind the line and then out undetected by anyone until the next break in play provided the tell-tale replays.
Either Malouda or Lampard would have been a better choice as man of the match than Cole – certainly the French winger's case would have been unanswerable had his goal been spotted – while it was typical Lampard to use Wembley and the last match of the season to notch his 20th goal of the campaign, the fourth successive season he has reached that total. "He wins big games," a disappointed but resigned David Moyes said. "We spoke about him beforehand and I thought we played him really well, but he still popped up with the winner just as we were getting a foothold in the game."
Once Chelsea were ahead, they were careful not to invite Everton back into the game, with John Terry and Alex defending stoutly and the whole team being too smart to give away the free-kicks and corners their opponents needed to launch balls into their area. A caution for Lampard for diving late on was the game's only controversy. The Chelsea player certainly seemed to be looking for a penalty, though Pienaar appeared to have made some contact and a card might have been harsh.
Not a classic Wembley contest ­perhaps, and it was clear to even the most optimistic Merseysider that ­Everton might have peaked too early. "We got a great start, but it seemed to inspire Chelsea more than us," said Moyes, still waiting for his first win against the ­London side. "We found them a little bit too much for us, they were the better team. I very much wanted to beat Guus Hiddink – he has only been here three-and-a-half months and I didn't want to let him win a trophy easily, but I congratulate him."
Still, a final with the fastest goal in the event's history and another Geoff Hurst moment was considerably better than some of the dross that has been served up lately. And Carlo Ancelotti will not now be judged against coaches who won nothing, but against a man who revitalised a club in under four months.

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Independent:
Lampard defines true class that sinks dogged Everton
Chelsea 2 Everton 1: Hiddink ends his stay with trophy as Chelsea shrug off letting in fastest goal
By Steve Tongue at Wembley

Yellow was the colour at a brilliantly sunny Wembley yesterday as Chelsea, in their second strip, deservedly won the FA Cup after the shock of conceding the fastest goal in the 137-year history of the final. Louis Saha's stunning effort after 25 seconds was the high point of the afternoon for Everton by a long way, one that they rarely threatened to approach. Chelsea were level within 20 minutes through Didier Drogba's header, and Frank Lampard, second only to Florent Malouda as their leading performer, won an enjoyable game that would almost certainly have touched headier heights were it not for the debilitating heat.
Like father like son. In 1980 Frank Lampard snr had scored one of his rare goals to beat Everton in a semi-final replay, then claimed a winners' medal for West Ham as underdogs in the final against Arsenal. There was to be no victory against the odds or recent history here. There rarely is these days in the final, which has been won 19 times in 22 years by one of the acknowledged big four clubs.
So Everton, fifth in the Premier League, superbly supported on the day but dogged rather than inspirational, sought in vain a first victory in 23 games against Chelsea, 21 of them under David Moyes. They had a weak link in Tony Hibbert at right-back, targeted throughout the 45 minutes he was allowed on the pitch; all the more so once he had been booked early on for a cynical foul on the outstanding Malouda. Apart from allowing Saha one threatening header in the second half, John Terry and Alex were untroubled in defence, allowing Ashley Cole, who has now won five winners' medals, plenty of scope for supporting Malouda down the left. In midfield Lampard had help-mates in Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, the latter preferred to Michael Ballack.
In temperatures that touched 41 degrees C at pitch level, Petr Cech would have been delighted that his captain won the toss, enabling him to defend the one penalty area in the shade, but before the goalkeeper had time to reflect on his good fortune there was a ball to be picked out of the net. When Steven Pienaar, supplied by Leighton Baines and just onside, knocked over a cross from the left, it was not dealt with and the tall Belgian Marouane Fellaini produced a more telling header than any defender, nodding down for Saha. The former Manchester United and Newcastle man, who missed four previous Cup finals for various reasons, hit a superb left-foot shot as the ball sat up for him and Cech was not close to saving it. As well as arriving in barely half the time of Roberto di Matteo's Cup final effort for Chelsea in 1999, the speed of it all even eclipsed the quickest final goal on record, by one Bob Chatt of Aston Villa as long ago as 1895.
Would Chelsea sulk and go into their shell? Not a bit of it. Hibbert received his yellow card as Malouda went past him and from then on a constant stream of passes was sent diagonally into the area behind him. Drogba pulled one of them back for Michael Essien, in the position from which he hit his stunning goal against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge; this shot had similar power but less accuracy.
Before a quarter of the tie had been completed, an equaliser arrived from an entirely predictable source. Nicolas Anelka and then Lampard moved the ball to the left once more, where Malouda had time to measure a cross. Drogba reacted better than any of the four lurking Everton defenders. Joleon Lescott was outjumped by the Ivorian, thus extending a remarkable run at Wembley: a goal in every one of his five appearances here.
As well as replacing Hibbert with Lars Jacobsen for the second half, Moyes swapped Tim Cahill and Fellaini, who had been the further forward of the two. It was past the hour-mark before Cech was given work to do, holding Cahill's drive without difficulty. Everton did, however, enjoy a period of more sustained possession, something they had not been granted at any earlier stage. At the height of it, Saha lost all the yellow-shirted defenders to head a fine cross by Baines narrowly over the bar.
With 18 minutes to play, however, Lampard's moment arrived. Anelka moved the ball forward to him in what looked an innocuous position some 30 yards from goal. One deft turn left Phil Neville lurching the wrong way and with his supposedly weaker foot, the England midfielder hit a wonderful shot that Tim Howard touched but could not stop.
Malouda, twice, could have ensured a more relaxed final spell for Guus Hiddink's men. He chipped over after a neat move then hit a magnificent drive from 35 yards off the underside of the bar that television replays indicated was over the line before Howard grabbed it. Whether the assistant referee should have seen that, even in the shaded goal, was debatable. Fortunately it did not matter. Nor did Lampard's harsh yellow card for simulation when he went down over Pienaar's outstretched leg; nor Anelka's miss in added time when sent clear by the excellent Lampard.
"Lucky Guus" as his Dutch nickname has it? Not yesterday. Lucky Chelsea to have obtained his services for even three months.
Attendance: 89,391
Referee: H Webb
Man of the match: Malouda
Match rating: 7/10

Man-for-man marking: Chelsea

PETR CECH 6/10
Caught cold by Saha's record- breaking goal. From then on he must have been hot in his helmet. Came out bravely to dive at the feet of Everton forwards. But still looks as dodgy as his awful orange shirt when he comes for crosses. Easy save from Cahill.
JOSE BOSINGWA 7/10
Dangerous on the overlap. The Portuguese also did the donkey work in defence even though he had his hands full up against Pienaar and Baines. Brilliant run in second-half stoppage time was ended only by ugly foul by Baines, a yard outside the penalty area.
ALEX 7/10
The big Brazilian was never quite happy with the aerial threat of Fellaini. Fortunately for him, the Belgian spent most of the match helping out his over-worked defence. Sadly, we never got a sight of his howitzer free-kicks.
JOHN TERRY 7/10
Chelsea's collosus at the back. After a sloppy opening minute, Terry led Chelsea to a memorable victory. His spirit typifies the side. The captain's distribution at times was not as accurate as it should be.
ASHLEY COLE 8/10
Proved he is England's best left-back with an energetic shift. Chelsea's history man fluffed a wonderful chance just before half-time, hitting a monstrous slice into the crowd. Now has five winners' medals, equalling the all-time record, and at 28 he has plenty of time to add several more to his collection.
JOHN OBI MIKEL 6/10
Picked ahead of Germany's captain Michael Ballack, and repaid the manager's decision with a solid performance. Booked for dissent in the second half following a foul on Saha. Rarely gave the ball away, which used to be his Achilles heel.
MICHAEL ESSIEN 6/10
Not quite his usual powerhouse self. Performed his defensive duties with the diligence and energy we have come to expect but rarely imposed himself on the game. Dodged a booking after a nasty foul on Fellaini. Withdrawn after an hour for Michael Ballack who was quietly efficient.
FRANK LAMPARD 8/10
What a goal. Slipped, but recovered in an instant to score from 25 yards. Orchestrated Chelsea's comeback. Mercilessly exploited Hibbert's unease with a conveyor belt of pin-point passes to Malouda. It was a particularly brilliant pass to Malouda in the 20th minute that led to Drogba's equaliser. Was booked late on for diving.
NICOLAS ANELKA 7/10
Amazing work-rate from the Frenchman. Few players who have just won the Golden Boot will have done as much "dirty work" as Anelka. A totally unselfish performance from the man with more clubs than Tiger Woods. Attempted lob dropped over the bar from 20 yards. Fired over in stoppage time.
DIDIER DROGBA 7/10
Great theatre, as always. At his best to rise powerfully above Lescott to score with his head after 20 minutes. Still managed plenty of rolling around on the Wembley turf in mock agony. Surely enough to convince Roman Abramovich to keep him this summer.
FLORENT MALOUDA 9/10
Not since the days of Sir Stanley Matthews has a winger enjoyed so much freedom at Wembley. Great cross for Drogba's goal. Robbed of a goal when explosive shot from 30 yards hit bar and appeared to bounce over the line.

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Mail:
Chelsea 2 Everton 1: Lampard's stunner wins FA Cup for departing manager Hiddink
By Rob Draper

Frank Lampard, one of the men Guus Hiddink has come to rely on most in his all too brief reign at Chelsea, provided the finishing touch to the Dutchman's extraordinary four months in charge.
Lampard's glorious 72nd-minute strike captured the FA Cup for the fifth time in Chelsea's history and ensured that Hiddink can return next week to Russia - and his day job - with mission accomplished. Hiddink, who intriguingly talks about maintaining his links with Chelsea in the future, embraced his assistant, Ray Wilkins, as the final whistle blew at Wembley.
Within seconds Chelsea supporters lifted their voices to acclaim their temporary manager's achievements with their most popular refrain of the moment: 'Guus Hiddink: We want you to stay!'
Later, as the FA Cup was presented, they would reserve their loudest cheer for the Dutchman, as Wilkins beckoned the reluctant manager to take his place in the limelight and lift the trophy.
As for David Moyes' Everton and their admirable supporters, there was honour and dignity in defeat and a small piece of history claimed by Louis Saha, who gave this compelling final the most dramatic start ever witnessed in the competition's 137-year history.
Just 25 seconds had registered on the clock when Saha eclipsed the record of 42 seconds for the quickest goal in an FA Cup final, coincidentally scored by Chelsea's Roberto Di Matteo against Middlesbrough in 1997.
Chelsea had started at a lackadaisical pace, as though the sunshine had put them in the frame of mind for one of those meaningless pre-season friendlies.
When the kick-off found Steven Pienaar in space on the left, the South African swung in a cross to test the mettle of the Chelsea defence and although Alex headed smartly away, no-one seemed prepared to challenge for the second ball.
The distinctive mop of Marouane Fellaini rose above all challenges to direct the ball to the feet of Saha and the Frenchman's instincts did not desert him; he swung at the ball and fairly lashed it past Petr Cech.
Chelsea looked stunned as the Everton half of the stadium erupted, in almost equal bewilderment.
This was a start no-one could envisage, certainly not a supremely confident Chelsea team. Yet, they quickly regrouped, slowly but surely gaining a grip on the game, Florent Malouda probing at the empty spaces in front of and behind Tony Hibbert.
The Liverpudlian earned himself a booking on eight minutes for tripping the Chelsea winger and worse was to follow on 21 minutes.
The ball was worked out wide to Malouda, who was granted time and space on the left to place his cross exactly where he required, curling away from goalkeeper Tim Howard's reach yet perfectly placed for a rampaging Didier Drogba, who outmuscled Joleon Lescott to direct his header into the net.
For Hibbert the afternoon disintegrated. Both Malouda and Ashley Cole caroused past him, almost at will, and the latter should have scored on 44 minutes when, having slipped past the Everton right-back again, he managed to slice his shot wide from eight yards when confronted with Howard. Unsurprisingly, poor Hibbert was withdrawn by Moyes at half-time and replaced by Lars Jacobsen.
Chelsea, though, were establishing a physical grip on the game, both legitimately in the power of Lampard and John Obi Mikel in midfield and illegitimately in the case of Michael Essien, who had almost cut Fellaini in two on 23 minutes with a brutal challenge which somehow escaped a booking from Howard Webb.
Come the second half, the game bristled with aggression. Bookings for Phil Neville and Mikel characterised an increasingly unruly midfield battle.
Tim Cahill, who had switched positions with Fellaini to a more advanced midfield role, took it upon himself to wrestle Mikel to the ground in an effort to obtain the ball. Clearly neither team was ready to capitulate.
Although Chelsea appeared to be winning the struggle, a fine chance fell to Saha on 66 minutes. Leighton Baines crossed but the Frenchman, having risen above the defence, directed his header over the bar.
Chelsea, though, are one of the least likely teams to wilt in the energy-sapping sunshine.
After 72 minutes substitute Michael Ballack, introduced on the hour for Essien, worked the ball to Nicolas Anelka, who in turn found the formidable Frank Lampard lurking some 25 yards out from goal.
Neville sensed the danger and attempted to clip the ball away but the Chelsea man stumbled through the challenge before unleashing a ferocious shot goalwards.Howard got his hands to the strike but such was its power that he could only feel the brief sting of pain to his fingertips as the ball ripped into the net.
Chelsea deserved to consolidate the win when Malouda beat Howard from 30 yards, the ball bouncing down and out off the crossbar. Replays showed it had gone over the line, but that was difficult to discern in real time.

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Telegraph:
Chelsea 2 Everton 1: By Duncan White at Wembley Stadium

Even in triumph he was modest, dignified. Having climbed the 107 steps, Guus Hiddink seemed almost reluctant to lift the trophy, but ushered on by Ray Wilkins he took the adulation of the Chelsea support, a flourish that brought to a glorious end a whirlwind affair between the Dutchman and this club. Once he got going though, amid the champagne spray, the emotions poured out and the wise man of world football celebrated with childish enthusiasm. “He's a great manager and a great man," said Frank Lampard, who scored the spectacular winning goal. "It's a great send-off for him and we're delighted to give him a trophy.”
As ever, Lampard was exceptional. He has played with metronomic excellence in a season when Chelsea have often lacked stability and it was fitting that he scored such a fine winning goal, his 21st of another productive campaign. Drogba again scored in a big game at Wembley – he scored here in the semi final against Arsenal and when Chelsea won in 2007 – but it was Lampard who was the difference, his expertly judged passes releasing the rampant pair of Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda on the Chelsea left. “We wins big games,” was David Moyes’ pithy assessment.
Everton dared to dream There was no doubt that this was a big game for Everton, whose supporters The pre-match pessimism took all of 25 seconds to be dispelled. This was supposed to have been a dull, attritional game but Everton soon saw to it that this would be an open, compelling final. Stephen Pienaar picked up the ball on the left and sent in an in-swinging cross that John Obi Mikel failed to properly head clear. Fellaini got his head to the follow-up and with John Terry having let Saha pull away from him, there was a chance. With Mikel closing, Saha set himself and whipped a volley in at the near post, Cech unsighted by his defenders. Saha had earned his place in FA Cup folklore and set up a cracking final.
Chelsea’s response to that stunning setback was emphatic. Florent Malouda managed to get in behind Tony Hibbert on seven minutes and the Everton full back tripped him. Howard Webb produced the yellow card. Whether he feared being sent off, was carrying an injury or was just plain overwhelmed by the occasion, Hibbert’s game went to pieces.
Malouda and Cole surged down the Chelsea left at will and with Hibbert being given negligible protection by Leon Osman in front of him, chance followed chance. Tim Howard managed to make a key intervention with Cole pushing into the box, and Malouda sent in a couple of ominous crosses.
So thoroughly did Malouda have the beating of Hibbert that he even tried the old playground favourite of pushing the ball one side of the full back and scooting round the other. Humiliating for Hibbert that it nearly came off.
No surprise then that the equaliser came down the Chelsea left. Nicolas Anelka drifted in from the right, leaving the ball for Lampard who chipped it delicately to Malouda out wide. Hibbert and Osman stood rooted, giving Malouda all the time he needed to steady himself. The France winger’s cross was met by Drogba, leaping above Joleon Lescott, and his powerful header was simply unsaveable. It was a superbly executed piece of centre-forward play: Drogba had tracked across the box, just out of Lescott’s eye-line before cutting back across.
It didn’t get any better for Hibbert. When Marouane Fellaini’s tackle looped off Malouda, he was caught on his heels, Cole sprinting in behind him. The Chelsea full-back was wild with his attempt to finish, though. Moyes feared he would get sent off and replaced him with Lars Jacobsen at half-time.
It was from excellent work by Leighton Baines, the left back, that Everton almost re-took the lead midway through the second half. The Everton left-back had started pushing forward encouragingly and when he got the opportunity to cross he delivered an outstanding cross, all pace and bend, that Saha contrived to head over the bar. What a chance for the French striker.
There was an element scrappiness creeping into Chelsea’s player, so Hiddink decided to send on Michael Ballack, who had heavily strapped his calf, for Michael Essien. The Ghanaian was having a poor game and had been fortunate to escape without a card for a pretty brutal foul on Fellaini in the first half. Chelsea were continuing to exploit their left wing and almost got a second when Malouda’s driven cross clipped Fellaini and hit Drogba, going behind.
Chelsea were pushing and probing, with Lampard at the hub of their best work. With 18 minutes to go, Anelka fed the ball into Lampard’s feet and the England midfielder shimmied right to try and make space for a shot. Phil Neville, ever alert, swept across to try and block but over-ran it as Lampard cut back. For a moment Lampard lost his footing but he popped straight back up and hit a fading shot with his left foot that Howard got gloves to but couldn’t keep out.
Lampard was imperious, a minute later giving Malouda a clear sight of goal with disguised pass. Malouda shot over and should, in fact, have been flagged offside. If he benefited he was unfairly denied a wonderful goal just minutes later. Picking the ball up midway in the Everton half he teed himself up and hit a superb long-range shot that arched over Howard hit the bar and bounced over the line before spinning back out. The linesman, probably as surprised as Howard by Malouda’s audacity, was far from ideally positioned and the ‘goal’ was not given.
Everton rallied and prepared for one last assault on the Chelsea goal. Moyes sent on James Vaughan for the tiring Saha and the substitute was soon in the thick of it, sprinting down the left and floating a cross to the far post. Cech had to stretch to is limit to push the ball away from the waiting Cahill. But their spectacular start aside, Everton could never quite get on top of Chelsea.
“We deserved to be in the final and have performed ever so well over the course of the season but Chelsea were just a hurdle too much for us today,” Moyes said. “They were the better team and used the conditions better than us. But then If Chelsea had gone into the game without Drogba, Terry and Lampard, would it have given us a big lift? A better chance? I think it would. We have gone in without Yakubu, Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta and they are the equivalent of those players.”
So, Moyes will take a break before returning doggedly to his Sisyphean task, trying to break the top four Premier League hegemony on budget, incrementally pushing Everton beyond even their own expectations. “We reached the semi final last year, the final this year. Next year we need a trophy.”

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The Sunday Times
Frank Lampard hands Guus Hiddink perfect parting gift
Chelsea 2 Everton 1
Jonathan Northcroft at Wembley Stadium

AND SO Guus Hiddink got what he wanted. Sunshine, champagne spray at Wembley and a “beautiful ending” to his three-and-a-half months with
Chelsea. His parting gift ensured he will forever be cherished by the club of which he has been temporary manager since February. Not only is the FA Cup football’s most holy hunk of silverware, this was Chelsea’s first trophy since Jose Mourinho and perhaps now they can finally move on from the Portuguese demagogue whose shadow was such that his 2007 dismissal was still being picked over on newspaper back pages yesterday.
Chelsea’s next manager can now start the job in the manner Hiddink left — on his own terms. Carlo Ancelotti is favourite to be appointed, but some qualities of the Blues seem destined to remain constant regardless of who is their boss. Frank Lampard’s ability to influence matches is prime among these and after Louis Saha invigorated the occasion with the quickest ever FA Cup final goal, Lampard decided it with one of the greatest, following Didier Drogba’s equaliser.
After seeing the sweet embrace of ball by net after his shot beat Tim Howard, the midfielder ran to the corner flag and jigged his way around it, mimicking the goal celebration of his father, Frank Lampard Sr, when scoring the winner for West Ham against Everton in a 1980 FA Cup semi-final.
This was a fair result, not least because minutes after Lampard made it 2-1 a refereeing mistake denied Chelsea when Florent Malouda “scored” with an even better strike, a Scud missile of a shot that dipped and wobbled over Howard before exploding off the underside of the bar and coming to earth beyond the goalline. The ball bounced back out and Howard Webb’s assistant referee, believing the ball had not crossed the line, declined to signal a goal.
A score of 3-1 would have been about right. Everton’s commitment was supreme, David Moyes’s tactical set-up was clever and players such as Saha, Joleon Lescott, Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar played at or near to their maximum. But they had needed Chelsea, with resources so superior, to have an off-day and Chelsea didn’t. It was poignant to see Mikel Arteta in a suit, not a strip. Had he, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu not been injured, it might just have been different.
Both sets of supporters were marvellously lusty. Everton’s had waited a long time for an occasion of this size but received instant gratification. Their team’s blade was on Chelsea’s jugular immediately. From the kick-off, Moyes’s midfield worked their way into an attacking position and Pienaar sent in the first of several penetrating crosses he was able to deliver. John Mikel Obi headed weakly, and Alex failed to clear as Marouane Fellaini rose to challenge him. The ball dropped towards the the penalty spot and there, Saha connected perfectly with a left-footed volley to leave Petr Cech sprawling. Everton were ahead with 25 seconds gone. Saha’s goal was the fastest in FA Cup final history, beating one scored by the talkative-sounding Bob Chatt, 30 seconds into this fixture in 1895.
Hiddink had unveiled the only selection surprise, starting with Mikel instead of Michael Ballack so Chelsea could use two holding midfield players against Fellaini and Tim Cahill. The parts played in the goal by both Mikel and Fellaini made this seem a mistake but the next 89 minutes and 35 seconds vindicated the Dutchman. Neither could get on the ball for long and with Everton unable to hold possession upfield, they retreated into their defensive third.
Chelsea flooded forward. Hiddink had also detailed Malouda and Nicolas Anelka to drop off before striking at Everton with pacy runs from deep and Moyes’s full-backs suffered, especially Tony Hibbert. With 21 minutes gone sustained Chelsea pressure was rewarded when Anelka came deep to find Lampard, who spread the ball nicely to Malouda. The Frenchman’s perfect cross curved into Everton’s area for Drogba to outmanoeuvre Lescott and head home. Lampard put one close from distance and Ashley Cole botched an opportunity when Malouda’s ball ricocheted off Fellaini into his path.
Moyes’s men were defending tenaciously. Neville lost possession but hounded Drogba to win it back, Pienaar pressured Anelka into running the ball out for a goal-kick when trying to tee up a shot and even Saha, the lone striker, was glimpsed in the left-back position.
The question was: Could Everton keep it up? Temperatures down on the pitch were touching 40 degrees and their manager did not think so. In the first half, Moyes stood in his technical area waving his players forward in vain. At half-time Hibbert, neutered as a tackler since an early booking, was replaced by Lars Jacobsen, an experienced Dane. Cahill and Fellaini swapped places so the Australian could play off Saha. For a while it worked, Everton got forward more and Saha had a sight of goal but headed over from 10 yards.
Then Lampard struck. Ballack, on for Essien, slipped a pass to Anelka, who found Lampard near the rim of Everton’s penalty area. Neville strained sinew to get back but Lampard checked inside him , slipping as he did so. Yet up he sprang and with his left foot caught the ball’s sweet spot, sending it scorching away from Howard who, despite getting both hands on the orb, could only push it into his net.
Lampard was subsequently booked for trying to win a penalty with a sneaky dive but this only slightly tarnished his afternoon. He was prominent among the Chelsea performers, yet did not outdo Cole, who plucked a ball from Drogba out of the air with an outrageously skilful touch and was justifiably named man of the match.
Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, gave John Terry the old trophy and Hiddink was invited to be the last to hold it, but graciously insisted he raise it jointly with Ray Wilkins, his assistant. He is gone but not forgotten and, after some dreary recent finals, the pageant and quality of yesterday’s will also last in the memory.
CHELSEA: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Essien (Ballack 61min), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda
EVERTON: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen h-t), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 83min), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77min)
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NOTW:
CHELSEA 2, EVERTON 1
From DAVID HARRISON at Wembley

WHEN the full heat of a pressure-cooker FA Cup final was at its most fierce, the coolest heads around belonged to Frank Lampard and Guus Hiddink.
Wembley Stadium sizzled in temperatures touching 100 degrees but the Chelsea midfielder and his stop-gap manager stepped outside the glare. And they entered the zone where only true winners survive.
Lampard's stunning goal was a strike worthy of settling the very greatest game. Hiddink's calm and considered appraisal of a match which was only briefly out of their reach was just as telling.
Weaker teams would have wilted after Louis Saha gave Everton the lead after an astonishing 25 seconds - the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
But once Didier Drogba had levelled the scores, Chelsea were never going to let the final slip from their grasp - not with Lampard driving them on and turning up the heat a few notches higher.
His goal was his 20th of the season, the sixth successive campaign he has reached that milestone. A cause for celebration and Lampard tore a page out of the family scrapbook to commemorate the moment.
He danced a jig around the corner flag, just as his dad Frank Snr did when he scored the winner for West Ham against Everton in the semi-final of the same competition 19 years ago.
It was a place in the sun that Lampard deserved - not that his career has ever been hidden in the shadows.
The league meetings between the two clubs had resulted in drab goalless draws but any fears that this would turn into another sorry, scoreless stalemate were blown away within a minute. That's how long it took for Saha to grab the opener.
Once a Red crock but now a battling Blue, the former Manchester United striker won the vote from boss David Moyes to make the Everton starting line-up.
The decision was inspired. The Toffees boss gambled on the impact of the French striker outweighing his suspect injury record and was rewarded with a start that was beyond the wildest dreams of the Merseysiders.
Chelsea failed to deal with Steven Pienaar's cross from the left and when Marouane Fellaini returned John Obi Mikel's headed clearance into the penalty area, Saha thumped his left-foot volley past Petr Cech.
Though they were stunned by such an instant blow, Chelsea soon stirred themselves into life.
They were helped by an invitation from Everton to attack the space on the right side of their defence which opened up like a swinging barn door. Full-back Tony Hibbert was booked for a seventh-minute foul on Florent Malouda and thereafter seemed reluctant to get within touching distance of any Chelsea man who ventured into his territory.
The thought of a second yellow card seemed to grab the defender by the throat and paralyse him with fear. Hiddink was soon alert to the opportunity and switched the whole point of his team's attack to that side of the field.
Several openings were wasted until the 21st minute when Hibbert again stood off Malouda, who had time to look up and deliver the perfect cross for Drogba.
The striker muscled aside Joleon Lescott and sent a powerful header into the net - his fifth goal in as many domestic finals for Chelsea. The whole of Everton's strategy was being undermined by the frailty of their right flank.
And it was happening under the nose of Moyes who was screaming at Hibbert and Leon Osman from his technical area to shut out the danger.
His pleas went unanswered and just before the interval Hibbert was missing again as Ashley Cole charged into the penalty area. The England full-back had the options of a pass to Drogba or a shot at goal but he wastefully sliced his effort wide at the near post.
It was to be Hibbert's last part in the game. Moyes chose to replace him with Lars Jacobsen at the interval in an act of mercy as much as a tactical switch.
The occasion had got to the Everton man and the strength- sapping sunshine began to take its toll on players of both sides as the second half slowed temporarily to a crawl.
But an injection of pace by Nicolas Anelka brought the final back to the boil. Released by Lampard's pass his lobbed attempt was just too high.
There was a burst of energy too from Everton when Saha's header from Leighton Baines' cross flew over the top. But Lampard delivered the game's most decisive act with his 72nd-minute goal.
Turning inside Phil Neville, he momentarily lost his footing but regained his bearings to unleash a left-foot shot of power and precision.
Keeper Tim Howard managed to get two hands to the ball but the force of the effort took it into the net.
Malouda fired another good chance over the bar from Lampard's pass and the Chelsea wideman almost uprooted the goal frame with a thundering shot from 30 yards in the 79th minute.
It struck the bar and bounced down, much too quick for anyone to see with the naked eye whether it had crossed the line. Half the length of the pitch away, Hiddink raised his arms in celebration of a goal.
TV replays showed the Dutchman was right and the officials wrong in not giving it. He does not miss much this stand-in Chelsea manager but they are certainly going to miss him.
At the final whistle, Hiddink embraced coach Ray Wilkins, shook Moyes warmly by the hand and hugged each of his players.
He then took his turn to hold the trophy aloft and for that brief moment you knew the Cup was in its rightful hands.
The calm and self-assured coach had completed his mission with Chelsea, leaving them with silverware and stability - the things they had lacked before his arrival.
Then it was on to his next task and the challenge of taking Russia to World Cup glory. It was goodbye from him. Farewell but not forgotten.

morning papers sunderland away 3-2

Guardian:
Sunderland's survival party outshines even the golden boot of Nicolas Anelka
Sunderland 2 Richardson 53, Jones 90 Chelsea 3 Anelka 47, Kalou 74, Cole, A 86
Louise Taylor at the Stadium of Light

This was quite an afternoon by the ­sun-dappled Wear, containing a resignation, a ­celebration, a farewell and a world-class goal from ­England's newly anointed Golden Boot.
Ricky Sbragia resigned as Sunderland's manager minutes after the final whistle, relieved fans delighted in top-flight salvation, Guus Hiddink bid a somewhat ­wistful goodbye to the Premier League and Nicolas Anelka rose to the top of the scoring charts.
"Mr Hiddink, Sunderland are looking for a new manager," said someone. "Please take the job." The outgoing Chelsea coach – Hiddink returns to his day job in charge of Russia after this weekend's FA Cup final – smiled broadly and jokingly demanded, "Quick, where's the chairman?"
Niall Quinn last night said he would "take time" to select a replacement for Sbragia but the Sunderland chairman – who will be able to entice the new manager with a significant transfer war chest once the Irish-American billionaire Ellis Short completes his buy-out of the club within the next fortnight – should first reflect on an extremely lucky escape courtesy of Newcastle's failings.
The inexperienced Sbragia should never have been appointed as Roy Keane's ­successor and, as rumours about ­Martin Jol, Steve McClaren and Slaven Bilic began to do the Wearside rounds, Quinn acknowledged as much.
Announcing that Sbragia had agreed to revert to his old role as a coach, the emotional, typically eloquent Irishman enthused. "Ricky's got a job for life here. He's given this club a lifeline. But we're a massive football club and now we need a big name who can change the mentality of the ­dressing room. We need a big man who can take the pressure."
Sbragia revealed he had decided to quit during a chat with Quinn at 3pm on Saturday. "I was thinking about Sunderland football club," he said. "To take the next step they need a bigger name. I felt it was time to go." he said.
Not for the first time this season he opted for an ultra-defensive formation, leaving a strong Chelsea side – Frank Lampard, nursing a slight knee injury was the sole major absentee – ­monopolising ­possession to no great effect during a first half which really came to life only as a roar resounded around the ground indicating that Aston Villa had taken the lead against Newcastle.
The afternoon's first outpouring of tasteless songs mocking Alan Shearer immediately ensued but seemed rather too much like tempting fate. Such ditties duly caught in the throat early in the ­second period when Anelka scored the sort of goal that defies superlatives. ­Collecting the ball near the halfway line, the French ­international slalomed ­forward, ­his elegant stride wrong-footing the suddenly irrelevant looking Teemu Tainio.
With Anton Ferdinand opting to stand off him a little, Anelka eyed the angles and realised he had sufficient space to direct the cleanest of right-foot shots into the top corner from just outside the area.
It boosted his Premier League goal tally to 19 for the season, thereby putting him one ahead of ­Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"A world-class goal," said ­Hiddink. "It was enjoyable to see, especially as Nicolas getting the golden shoe was something we had talked about at half-time." ­Chelsea, meanwhile, must still wait on Carlo Ancelotti, who said he would wait until Milan's final match on Sunday before deciding his future.
Sunderland, finally forced to emerge from their shell, swiftly equalised. It was not a moment Petr Cech will care to remember, Chelsea's goalkeeper coming out and missing a Grant Leadbitter cross under pressure from Kenwyne Jones before Kieran Richardson directed the loose ball into the net.
Parity proved short-lived as Dean Whitehead's attempted headed clearance fell kindly for Salomon Kalou. The substitute let the ball drop before sending it curving into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Ashley Cole emphasised Chelsea's dominance by half-volleying beyond Marton Fulop after Malouda nudged Anelka's headed flick into his path but Jones connected with an Andy Reid cross to thump a header beyond Cech and add a semblance of respectability to the scoreline.
All that remained was for Sunderland's fortunately reprieved underachievers to perform an inadvertently comedic lap of honour serenaded by pumping music in front of wildly exultant fans. Hiddink has seen most things but even he was slightly taken aback, remarking: "Curious," before reflecting. "I've loved every minute of the Premier League."
Quinn and Short should give serious consideration to kidnapping him.
Man of the match Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

-------------------------------------------------

Independent:
Sbragia quits as Sunderland revel in rivals' demise
Sunderland 2 Chelsea 3
By Michael Walker

They lost the game and they lost their manager Ricky Sbragia, and yet they celebrated. They celebrated as if they had won the World Cup, the Grand National and the Olympic 1500 metres all on the same day. Sunderland have survived in the Premier League and despite suffering an eighth defeat in their last 10 matches, the news from Villa Park that arch-rivals Newcastle were losing and were relegated was enough to send Wearside into delirium.
Sbragia stepping back into the coaching set-up from which he emerged reluctantly in December following Roy Keane's walk-out was a surprise to no one. Despite an initial uplift in results – two four-goal victories over West Brom and Hull – Sbragia looked less comfortable the day his tenure was made permanent.
That has been reflected in three wins in the 19 league games since. Sunderland stayed up due to the deficiencies of others. "I'm delighted, not sad," Sbragia said. "I could've been selfish and kept it but I was thinking about Sunderland.
"For them to take the step to the next level they need a bigger name. I felt it was time to go, it was me who suggested it. My brief was to keep Sunderland in the Premier League."
Sbragia did that, and he is a good man. But Sunderland need a makeover. Superficially, losing 3-2 to a side of Chelsea's strength sounds laudable, but Chelsea, were conserving themselves for Saturday's FA Cup final. Frank Lampard was left in London. He will be fit for Everton.
Alan Shearer taking Newcastle down on the day that Sunderland stay up is the stuff of prayers round here. It is only three years since Shearer played his last ever game, on this ground, a 4-1 Newcastle victory that capped Sunderland's 15-point season. That will never be forgotten.
A third relegation in five seasons was a possibility but the club has survived the buckling effect of Keane's exit and the man whom Keane blamed that on, Ellis Short, was here yesterday to witness the club he is about to seize full control of.
Chelsea forced three corners in the first eight minutes, Michael Essien hit the side-netting and Didier Drogba provoked the first of three decent first-half saves from Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop.
In first-half injury-time Florent Malouda struck the crossbar, so though there was tribal glee at news from Villa, Sunderland were not there yet. Two minutes after the interval, reality bit anew. Nicolas Anelka buried a sweet shot from 20 yards. It was Anelka's 19th of the season, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo, and Anelka finishes as the division's top scorer.
Kieran Richardson equalised six minutes later but Salomon Kalou made it 2-1 on 74 minutes and after more weak home defending, Ashley Cole made it three. In the 90th minute Kenwyne Jones headed in a brilliant Andy Reid cross and there was then a wait for confirmation of survival. When it came Wearside erupted.
Sunderland (4-4-1-1) Fulop; Bardsley, Ferdinand, Davenport, Collins; Malbranque (Healy, 79), Tainio (Reid, 65), Whitehead, Leadbitter; Richardson (Murphy 87); Jones. Substitutes not used: Colgan, McShane, Edwards, Cisse
Chelsea (4-3-3) Cech; Boswinga, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien (Kalou, 65) Mikel (Mancienne, 79) Belletti (Ballack, 27); Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Substitutes not used: Hilario, Stoch, Sinclair, Di Santo
Referee: M Halsey (Hertfordshire)
Booked: Sunderland Bardsley; Chelsea Cole
Man of the match: Mikel
Attendance: 42,468

------------------------------------------------

Mail:
Sunderland 2 Chelsea 3: Black Cats survivors go crazy - after losing
by COLIN YOUNG
Sunderland kept their part of the bargain on Survival Sunday and, as expected, signed off with a wholehearted defeat in front of their desperate fans.
And yet the scenes which greeted Newcastle’s loss at Villa Park — and the Villa winner for that matter — were more akin to a side who had won the league. And that says it all about Sunderland and this pitiful season. They even had the cheek to go on a lap of honour.
They did not clinch the title but Sunderland may have just won the lottery. With Ellis Short expected to take over as owner in the next week, the club will now officially look for a new manager to replace Ricky Sbragia, who stood down after the game. And Short will provide cash to rebuild a team which should never have been involved in such a day of drama.
Short, who could barely stop applauding after the final whistle and will be smiling for weeks, has serious money and will be very serious about spending it. Players who sheepishly took to the field to take the applause beware.
When news of Newcastle’s demise finally reached the Stadium of Light even the normally level-headed Niall Quinn lost the plot. With the club’s faithful going through a full repertoire of anti-Geordie and Alan Shearer ditties, the Sunderland chairman took high fives and hugs from Short and anyone else wearing a red tie and a smile. Even Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon got in on the act.
But what was there to celebrate? It should not be forgotten that Sunderland have arguably been the biggest disappointments of the three North East clubs, even though they are now the region’s sole representatives in the top flight.
There is no excuse for their sorry season. One win out of the last 13 games, form which means they deserve to be relegated, and there has been no behind-the-scenes turmoil to use as the excuse which will be coming out of St James’ Park.
The only upset came when Roy Keane departed as boss, but that was supposed to be a blessed relief for the players who had stopped playing for him. Instead, arguably the best group of players in Sunderland’s history have survived by default and the defeat against Chelsea, their 10th at home this season, was typical of the displays fans have endured.
Plucky, but not good enough.
Chelsea took Sunderland apart at will early on. After winning three corners in the opening 10 minutes, Didier Drogba forced a smart save from Marton Fulop before Grant Leadbitter forced a save at the other end.
Perhaps mindful that one goal was important to Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea increased the tempo and the French striker’s terrific 47th-minute strike, which flew past Fulop and into his top corner, was a crucial 19th goal of the season, taking him one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Boot award.
‘We had a word about it at halftime,’ said Guus Hiddink after his final league game as Chelsea boss. ‘I said if we can help him get the Golden Boot in England that would be good for him and the team. We had to be tactically different and it is very enjoyable to see. We were here for the win but it was good for Nicolas and he deserves it.’
Chelsea had a scare when Kieran Richardson finally managed a shot on target, scrambling home from close range after John Terry had again failed to deal with a high ball.
Kenwyne Jones was also in the mood for once and deserved his 90th-minute goal. But Chelsea had three by then, securing a fine second with Salomon Kalou’s excellent strike through a crowd of players after Sunderland had failed to clear a routine corner from Drogba.
Ashley Cole scored the third with his right foot after the Sunderland defence made a mess of dealing with a long and hopeful pass. And although Jones’ headed goal brought Sunderland’s supporters to life, it failed to do the same for the players in red and white.
Hiddink, who rested Alex and Frank Lampard before next week’s FA Cup final, could only reflect on the crazy scenes at the end. As a stranger in a strange land, the Dutchman clearly loved it.
Hiddink said: ‘I have seen the Premier League from outside and the inside now and it’s one of the most attractive leagues in the world. I have enjoyed every minute of it and of course I will miss it.
‘It was a tremendous atmosphere today. Sunderland are a good club with great support. It is a little curious that they were applauding after a defeat but it was a signal that people really support the club and it was nice to have that experience for me here.’
Match FactsSUNDERLAND (4-5-1): Fulop 6; Bardsley 6, Ferdinand 7, Davenport 6, Collins 7; Malbranque 7 (Healy 78min), Tainio 6 (Reid 65, 8), Whitehead 5, Richardson 6 (Murphy 87), Leadbitter 7; Jones 8. Booked: Bardsley.
CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech 7; Bosingwa 7, Terry 6, Ivanovic 6, Cole 7; Essien 8 (Kalou 65, 6), Mikel 7 (Mancienne 79), Belletti 5 (Ballack 27, 7); Anelka 8, Drogba 6, Malouda 7. Booked: Cole.
Man of the match: Nicolas Anelka.

------------------------------------------------

Telegraph:
Sunderland 2 Chelsea 3: Match report By Rob Stewart at Stadium of Light

They have surely never seen anything like this euphoria at the Stadium of Light and probably never will again after this narrow escape from relegation that saw survival celebrated and their arch-rivals fall from grace celebrated.
Their team might have failed to secure the win that would have guaranteed their own survival but such a small matter was not going to allow the wild celebrations to be dampened thanks to Newcastle’s downfall and Damien Duff’s own-goal at Villa Park.
Sunderland must beat Chelsea or else says Teemu TainioAngst-ridden Sunderland supporters had been given precious little to shout about by their own team’s exploits but not even Nicolas Anelka’s Golden Boot-winning goal could dampen their celebrations.
The festivities had begun in an surreal turn of events, the ground suddenly burst into life when news filtered through that Newcastle had gone behind at Villa Park and fans embraced one another while others burst into song, toasting their arch-rivals’ demise.
Frank Lampard may have been left at home to get some well earned rest but his absence did nothing to prevent Chelsea dominating their lowly opponents even though Guus Hiddink’s side may have the FA Cup on their minds.
The Sunderland struggled to cope with Didier Drogba and he went close twice in the opening exchanges, lifting lob onto roof of net before seeing a powerful volley punched away by Marton Fulop.
The Hungarian saved brilliantly to deny Drogba turn and then Florent Malouda before half-time as the Chelsea intensified as the carnival atmosphere enveloped the ground.
Fulop’s resistance was broken in the 47th minute by Anelka who sidestepped Danny Collins just inside the Sunderland half before advancing and unleashing a rising 25-yard shot that sped past the goalkeeper for his 19th goal this term.
The Sunderland response was impressive as Petr Cech spilt Grant Leadbitter’s cross under pressure from lone striker Kenwyne Jones and Richardson was on hand to ram the loose ball through sea of legs for a 53rd-minute equaliser.
It was a goal that had Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn punching the air on the front row of the directors where he sat alongside Ellis Short, the club’s Texan-based majority shareholder who is poised to complete his takeover.
Their celebrations were cut-short, though, as Salomon Kalou ensured Chelsea finished on a winning note when he beat Fulop with a viciously struck 20-yard shot in the 74th-minute.
Ashley Cole doubled the lead when he finished off a counter-attack by cracking a low shot beyond in the 86th-minute with the Sunderland defence at sixes and sevens.
Jones reduced the deficit in the 90th-minute when he nodded in Andy Reid’s in-swinging cross but nothing could spoil the party that followed Mark Halsey’s final whistle following what is expected to be Ricky Sbragia’s final game in charge.
“Come On Villa, Come on Villa” echoed around Wearside before Newcastle’s fate was sealed, celebrations broke out everywhere and the party began in earnest, led by local hero Quinn, while fans sang “Let’s All Laugh at Shearer”.

------------------------------------------------
Times:
Ellis Short offers Sunderland hope in long runSunderland 2 Chelsea 3George Caulkin
Ellis Short was in the directors’ box, wearing the smile of a billionaire along with his red-and-white club tie. Sitting beside him was his son, also called Ellis – and before you ask, yes, they are American – who had been mascot for a day that began with trepidation, ended with Sunderland vanquished but safe, the departure of Ricky Sbragia as manager and the onset of a new era.
Short’s position as Sunderland’s sole owner will be confirmed this week, an arrangement that officially concludes the Drumaville Consortium’s three-year stewardship at the Stadium of Light. Short is an Irish-Texan businessman who means business; already he is promising a new management structure of international repute and that nervous final days such as these will never again be endured.
Wealth is no guarantee of success, of course – Mike Ashley, for one, can attest to that – but Short already has a solid mix of football and enterprise in the boardroom (where Niall Quinn will remain as chairman) and, unlike his counterpart at Newcastle United, he recognises that a club’s regeneration cannot be achieved on the cheap. Wearside is set for another hectic summer.
The process of recruiting a manager to succeed Sbragia – the Scot will consider a recruitment role at the club and, says Quinn, “has a job for life” – is yet to start, although some names can be ruled out of the running. Neither Steve McClaren, the former England head coach, nor Gordon Strachan, at Celtic, are under consideration. Before his move from Alkmaar to Bayern Munich, Louis van Gaal was a target.
“We haven’t sat down to think about a manager, never mind set up a list,” Quinn said. “But we do need a big name here and someone who will change the mentality of that dressing room. We haven’t got a timescale. We are a massive football club and we need a big man to take on the mantle, to handle the pressure, the task of taking a big club forward. We’ll stop at nothing to ensure this club gets to where it has to go.”
It will be a long journey. Immunity from relegation was celebrated vigorously – as it should be – but Sunderland claimed only a single victory from their last 13 matches and only three in Sbragia’s 19 fixtures as permanent manager. Newcastle’s downfall brought further revelry, yet Quinn and Short’s vision for the club does not encompass frantic supporters clutching radios to their ears late into May.
Short, who was a minority shareholder at the time, invested more than £30 million last summer on players such as Anton Ferdinand, Pascal Chimbonda, El-Hadji Diouf, George McCartney and Steed Malbranque, who have variously disappointed, been injured or been sold, and many of the others have not lived up to their own self-inflated reputations.
“It’s been an incredibly emotional day,” Quinn said. “Ensuring we stayed up was absolutely massive and gives us a new lease of life to build on in the future. Ricky had the guts to take over at a very difficult time when we were already in the bottom three and unexpectedly left without a manager. He’s achieved the goal we set him and the implications of that are absolutely enormous.”
“My decision was all about Sunderland and allowing them to take the next step and get a bigger name, it’s as simple as that,” Sbragia said. “My brief was to keep the club up and we’ve done that, so I’m delighted. It’s not about me. I spoke to Niall about it yesterday. It’s about time we changed the mentality of the club in general, moved up the table and became a force in the Premier League.”
Chelsea, too, have reached the end of an era. This was Guus Hiddink’s last league game in the dugout for Chelsea, although there is a small matter of next weekend’s FA Cup Final to come. Frank Lampard – missing in the Barclays Premier League for the first time this season – will return from a minor knee injury at Wembley, as will Alex. Juliano Belletti was substituted with a thigh complaint.
As it transpired, the match itself was an entertaining irrelevance – Damien Duff’s own goal for Newcastle was hailed as loudly as anything else. Nicolas Anelka’s 47th-minute screamer brought him the division’s Golden Boot and Kieran Richardson equalised before Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole took Chelsea out of sight. In the final seconds, Kenwyne Jones scored with a fine glancing header.
“I have enjoyed every moment of it,” Hiddink, the interim manager, said. “I have now seen the Premier League from the outside and the inside and I will miss it. It’s the most attractive league in the world, along with Spain’s. I have been at a great club, a great organisation. Chelsea has a good squad and team, but they must improve in depth because to compete on three roads, you need quality all over the place.”
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): M Fulop 6 P Bardsley 6 A Ferdinand 5 C Davenport 5 D Collins 7 D Whitehead 5 T Tainio 6 S Malbranque 7 K Richardson 6 G Leadbitter 7 K Jones 6 Substitutes: A Reid 6 (for Tainio, 65min), D Healy (for Malbranque, 78), D Murphy (for Richardson, 87). Not used: C Edwards, D Cissé, P McShane, N Colgan.
Chelsea (4-3-3): P Cech 4 B Ivanovic 5 J Terry 6 J Bosingwa 6 A Cole 7 M Essien 6 J Belletti 4 J O Mikel 6 D Drogba 6 N Anelka 7 F Malouda 7 Substitutes: M Ballack 6 (for Belletti, 27min), S Kalou 6 (for Essien, 65), M Mancienne (for Mikel, 78). Not used: Hilário, F Di Santo, S Sinclair, M Stoch.
Referee M Halsey Attendance 42,468
Players of the season
Sunderland Kieran Richardson
Selected by England too early, Richardson, 24, is finally producing consistently fine performances in central midfield.
Chelsea Frank Lampard
Arguably the best Premier League player this season. Kept Chelsea going almost single-handedly through their mid-season crisis.
-------------------------------------------------
Sun:
Sunderland 2 Chelsea 3
By STEVE BRENNER
Published: 24 May 2009 THIS will go down as the greatest defeat in Sunderland's history.
The Black Cats could not care less that Chelsea romped home with ease.
It was their eighth defeat in the last 10 - and the Wearsiders finished just two points above the drop zone.
And the Mackem fans were not fussed that Ricky Sbragia quit at the final whistle following just three wins in 19 matches, leaving Sunderland to search for their fifth boss in as many years.
No, all that mattered was the news from Villa Park. Arch-rivals Newcastle had been relegated. Oh, how they laughed.
An alien dropping into the Stadium of Light yesterday would have thought the Black Cats had won the Premier League title.
Everyone was going bonkers. Totally crazy. And that in itself is a little bit sad.
It says something about Sunderland's lack of progress this season that someone else's demise is the only thing to really get them going.
Guus Hiddink's Blues never got out of second gear yesterday. They did not really have to.
Yes, Kieran Richardson quickly cancelled out Nicolas Anelka's opener but the hosts were always well off the pace.
Salomon Kalou restored the lead with a cracking 74th-minute finish before Ashley Cole made it three with a close-range effort with four minutes left.
Kenwyne Jones pulled one back at the closing stages but the Black Cats, as they have more most of a season in which Roy Keane vowed would see them "reach another level, deserved nothing.
Take nothing away from Chelsea. Hiddink has quickly moulded one hell of a clinical Blue machine.
Everton will face a real battle in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
While everything at Stamford Bridge is pointing towards the right direction, Sunderland are back in a mess and a major summer of change awaits.
Texan billionaire Ellis Short, who is set to take full control of the club this week, certainly saw the best and the worst of the Mackems yesterday.
The reclusive American was cosied up next to Niall Quinn in the directors' box and would have instantly realised what needs to be done.
He saw Sbragia's strugglers huff and puff with no direction and purpose in the first half.
He saw Jones fail to get a sniff against the imperious John Terry and that just how much a decent striker is needed to make sure a season like this is not repeated.
But, crucially, what was also evident for Short was a football club roared on by some of the most passionate fans in the land.
Sbragia had to go. He was never going to take the club to where Quinn wants them.
But he kept them up. Now it is up to someone else to help them kick on.
The framework is there. What Sunderland need is a big-time boss to drive them forward.
Add in some clever signings and get rid of the dead wood brought in by Keane and Short will have some potential to play with. It will not be easy.
Of course, Chelsea will always be a million miles away from the likes of Sunderland.
And they were certainly bang on top during the first 45 minutes.
Didier Drogba, Anelka and Florent Malouda enjoyed plenty of possession. Drog cheekily chipped over on eight minutes and from there on, Hiddink's men bossed the game without really testing Marton Fulop.
The Black Cats faithful had little to cheer about until the 37th minute and it had nothing to do with anything being played out at the Stadium of Light.
As news filtered out that despised Newcastle were losing, mayhem broke out in the stands. "Cheer up, Alan Shearer" was one of the printable ditties about the Toon's plight.
It was party time as the fans sloped off for a half-time brew. One was actually wearing a Villa shirt. Two minutes after the restart though, Chelsea wiped some smiles from faces.
Anelka brilliantly weaved himself into the box before slotting in a cracker from 20 yards for his 19th league goal of the season to earn him the Prem's Golden Boot accolade.
Suddenly the nerves were back on Wearside.
But Petr Cech handed them a way back in when he flapped at Grant Leadbitter's cross and Richardson gleefully slotted home.
And, up in the posh seats, Short and Quinn were jumping for joy. It did not last though as Sunderland quickly reverted to type.
Kalou and Cole struck with sweet finishes before Jones headed in a brilliant Andy Reid centre to pull one back.
But results elsewhere made this game meaningless.
Hiddink can go to Wembley and the FA Cup final on a high while Sbragia is running for the hills a broken man.

morning papers Blackburn home 2-0

The Times

Guus Hiddink confesses it will be hard to leave Chelsea

Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0

Kaveh Solhekol at Stamford Bridge

Guus Hiddink has had second thoughts about leaving Chelsea at the end of the season and the Dutchman has not ruled out returning to Stamford Bridge when his contract as the Russia coach runs out after next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Hiddink has seen it all after 27 years in the dugout but he was almost in tears after 40,000 Chelsea supporters spent most of the second half of yesterday’s routine victory over Blackburn Rovers singing his praises and urging him to stay.

“I didn’t expect it,” Hiddink said. “The reaction of the crowd was a big surprise for me. I have had many second thoughts, sometimes third thoughts about leaving. When I see this reaction I feel sad to leave but that’s the reality.”

Hiddink was greeted with banners begging him to stay when he arrived at the ground yesterday and most of the second half was played with chants of “Guus Hiddink, we want you to stay” ringing in the air. Hiddink tried to get the crowd to focus on the game by performing a little bow in the 51st minute but that failed to do the trick and within seconds Chelsea supporters had turned their attention to Roman Abramovich, serenading the club’s owner with “Roman, Roman, sign him up”.

Abramovich chuckled away in his box but the Russian billionaire has already made contingency plans and Carlo Ancelotti, the AC Milan manager, is in pole position to be announced as Hiddink’s successor before the end of the month.

Hiddink’s priority when he replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in February was to make sure that Chelsea qualified for the Champions League, but the former Holland, South Korea and Australia coach has told the board that it needs to spend money in the transfer market and reduce the average age of the squad in order to close the gap on Manchester United next season.

The prospect of finishing outside the top two for the first time since Abramovich bought the club six years ago has left a bad taste in John Terry’s mouth. “Third place isn’t good enough,” the Chelsea and England captain said. “I’m sure that next season Manchester United will be as good again and that Liverpool will maintain their improvement. It’s up to us get back in among and ahead of them.”

That would be easy if Chelsea could play Blackburn every week. Hiddink’s team needed only four minutes to get off the mark yesterday, Florent Malouda scoring with an old-fashioned bullet header from 12 yards. Nicolas Anelka was given too much time and space to cross from the right and Malouda took advantage of a half-hearted challenge by Keith Andrews to score for the third time in four games.

Andrews was so frustrated by the lack of protection that he was receiving from his team-mates that the Blackburn right back launched a foul-mouthed tirade of abuse at his bench midway through the first half after he had been left exposed for the umpteenth time.

Blackburn were more casual than an MP doing his expenses and Chelsea could have been out of sight by half-time. Anelka shot straight at Paul Robinson, Frank Lampard’s drive hit the bar and Ryan Nelsen had to stretch every bone in his body to clear a lob by Malouda off the line.
The only negative aspect of Chelsea’s exhilarating first-half display was a ridiculous dive in the Blackburn penalty area by José Bosingwa that rightly earned the Portugal defender a yellow card.

Anelka increased Chelsea’s lead in the 59th minute with a right-foot strike from the edge of the penalty area, but by that stage trying to get Hiddink to stay was just as important as the result.
“One year ago I wouldn’t have thought that I would manage Chelsea, so I can’t predict what happens after the Russia adventure,” Hiddink, 62, said. “But I’m not getting any younger.”

Chelsea (4-3-3): P Cech 6 - J Bosingwa 6, Alex 6, J Terry 6, A Cole 7 - M Essien 7, J O Mikel 7, F Lampard 7 - N Anelka 8, D Drogba 6, F Malouda 7. Substitutes not used: Hilário, B Ivanovic, F Di Santo, S Sinclair, J Belletti, M Mancienne, M Stoch. Next: Sunderland (a).
Blackburn (4-4-2): P Robinson 6 - K Andrews 5, R Nelsen 5, G Givet 5, S Warnock 6 - E-H Diouf 5, Tugay Kerimoglu 6, V Grella 5, M G Pedersen 5 - C Villanueva 5, C Samba 6. Substitutes: A Doran 5 (for Nelsen, 44min), Z Khizanishvili 6 (for Givet, 46), B McCarthy 5 (for Pedersen, 65). Not used: M Bunn, A Mokoena, K Treacy, M Olsson. Next: West Bromwich Albion (h).
Referee: R Styles Attendance: 40,804

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Telegraph:

Chelsea 2 Blackburn Rovers 0: Match report
Chelsea supporters – a vocal minority at least – made clear to Roman Abramovich that they didn’t want Carlo Ancelotti as the club’s next manager.

By Jason Burt at Stamford Bridge

“You can stick your Ancelotti up your…” they sang, in rather a surreal piece of advice to the Russian billionaire about the man he has lined up to succeed Guus Hiddink when he steps down in two weeks time.

But then it was quite a surreal afternoon. Hiddink was afforded a guard of honour by the Chelsea players and proceeded to cha-cha down it with 85-year-old Roy Bentley in tow and also did a theatrical bow to the crowd after they chanted “we want you to stay” to him while they also urged Abramovich to “sign him up”.

But then Abramovich already has and it is to that job, as Russia’s coach, that Hiddink must return. He will do so with some regret, and he is becoming more and more open about that, after a spell in charge of Chelsea that has re-energised the club and brought in a feel-good factor that goes beyond just winning. “He brought us something we lacked,” said man of the match Nicolas Anelka.

“I have many second thoughts, sometimes third thoughts,” Hiddink said when asked whether he had thought again. “You cannot avoid them. You don’t have a button to turn of your feelings, but that’s how it is.” So the message is: I wish I could stay but I can’t. And Abramovich knows that also. “I have given my commitment (to Russia) and I have to fulfil that. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not difficult to leave this atmosphere,” Hiddink said.

It sounded like the end of some memorable if inevitably doomed temporary love affair even if Hiddink added, with customary wickedness, that this time last year he didn’t imagine being Chelsea manager – so who knows what might be around the corner?

His parting advice will be simple. This Chelsea squad is good but, beyond a first-choice of 13 and 14 players there is a lack of strength in depth. Investment is neededbut, for now, and maybe forever, it will not be Hiddink’s direct responsibility. Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, in programme notes, said the club hoped to announce a successor “sooner rather than later”.
Ancelotti remains first choice and his post-match comments, after Milan’s defeat to Udinese on Saturday, revealed for the first time a chink in his blanket defence of insisting he intended to stay at the San Siro. Next weekend, he said, his future would be determined.

Inevitably it meant this match was all a bit of a sideshow – although it developed into an entertaining one with Paul Robinson denying Chelsea a far greater margin of victory even if he was beaten, early on, by Florent Malouda with a powerful header after the winger took advantage of Keith Andrews’s obvious lack of comfort at right-back. Robinson was beaten again, in the second-half, by Anelka with a low shot after he was teed up by Didier Drogba. But Robinson pulled off a series of stops – denying Anelka on several occasions, Malouda and Ashley Cole while Frank Lampard’s side-footed shot struck the angle of post and cross-bar.

Not that, for a while, Blackburn didn’t threaten. Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba both fluffed headers while the latter showed what he was – a makeshift striker – when volleying woefully wide from Tugay’s clever chip. Blackburn also lost both central defenders to injury and the end of the contest couldn’t come quickly enough for them, safe from relegation, or their manager Sam Allardyce who dashed through his post-match press conference with the air of man heading on holiday and thankful that he’s now at Ewood Park rather than St James’s.

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Mail:

Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0: Guus in the last chants saloon as boss prepares for Russian return
By NEIL ASHTON

The trick is to leave them wanting more, to leave them wondering what might have been had Guus Hiddink been prepared to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond his four-month secondment. To say that Chelsea's interim coach has played a blinder since he succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari on February 10 is an understatement, salvaging their season by unifying a divided dressing room. The players responded by guaranteeing a third-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, an unexpected appearance in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona and the FA Cup final against Everton on May 30.

So did nearly 40,000 Chelsea supporters yesterday, stirring midway through the second half to make their feelings known to owner Roman Abramovich, sat high up in the West Stand and tapping his bodyguard Mark Skipp to ask what they were singing. They had started gently, with 'Guus Hiddink, we want him to stay,' beginning to reverberate around the stadium before they really got stuck in. 'Roman, Roman sign him up,' they demanded, before the best of all - 'you can stick your Ancelotti up your a**e' - made its way around the stadium, sung with gusto by season ticket-holders unimpressed by the identity of their potential new manager.

It tugged at Hiddink's heart, as he rose from his seat in the dug-out to bow humbly to all four corners of the stadium, increasing the fervour among the fans as Chelsea cruised to victory with goals by Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka.'I have had second thoughts, sometimes third thoughts, but I have to leave,' admitted Chelsea's interim coach. 'I don't have a button to turn off my feelings and I feel a kind of sadness. You can always talk about contracts, but on top of that I am committed to a new process in Russia and it's a pleasure, something I have to fulfil. It doesn't mean it is not difficult to leave this atmosphere, though. 'It's a nice appreciation from the crowd, I didn't expect it. The team, after that first week, responded. The reaction of the crowd was surprising for me. I'd like to thank them. It was a big surprise for me that they did it in a country where the football experience is big.' It will be tough, especially when captain John Terry embraced him during a lap of appreciation after the final whistle, whispering in Hiddink's ear as they walked the touchline.

The players do not want him to leave (contrast that to when Scolari was sacked), but he will be gone following the FA Cup final, returning to Russia to prepare for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Inevitably, the players wanted to give him the perfect send-off in his last Premier League game in charge at Stamford Bridge, a fitting tribute to a manager who is tactically astute and as fascinating to listen to as Arsene Wenger. His team were off to the perfect start when Malouda, flying down the wing throughout another tantalising performance down the left, scored a terrific header after four minutes, getting ahead of Keith Andrews to reach Anelka's cross. It was too easy for Chelsea, much like the other 86 minutes. They controlled the game, peppering Paul Robinson's goal with shots from all angles, with Lampard on a mission to score for the first time since the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool on April 14.They finally scored another after the break when Didier Drogba squared for Anelka and Chelsea's goalscorer buried his 59th-minute effort low to the inside of Robinson's right-hand post. Anelka admitted: 'We feel the same as the fans do about him. He brought us something we lacked. It is important that the right man is brought in if we are to win trophies in the future.'Had they needed to score more, they could have got them, but Chelsea were in no mood to turn the screw, switching their attention to the full-time whistle and a lap of appreciation that, bizarrely, included the WAGs. By then Blackburn were on the team bus, safe for another season after Sam Allardyce steered them to safety, pulling off one of the great rescue acts after Paul Ince's disastrous regime. Like Hiddink, he has left Blackburn's supporters wanting a whole lot more.

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Independent:

Bridge of sighs bids farewell to Hiddink
Chelsea 2 Blackburn Rovers 0
By Glenn Moore

Emotions ran high at Stamford Bridge for the second successive match but instead of the anger and frustration which marked the conclusion of Chelsea's Champions League campaign the mood was one of sadness and gratitude.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Guus Hiddink's long goodbye as the Dutch caretaker took charge of Chelsea for the last time at home. He signed off with a comfortable victory, goals from Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka only hinting at Chelsea's superiority, and the fondest of farewells.

Throughout the afternoon a banner adorned the Matthew Harding Stand reading "Thanks Guus", sentiments that were echoed in the match programme by John Terry and Bruce Buck. The chairman also wrote that the club hoped to make an announcement about their latest new manager "sooner rather than later".

The supporters then made it clear their belief that no such appointment should be required. Chants of "One Guus Hiddink" gave way to "We want you to stay", at which Roman Abramovich was seen laughing. The owner, and the expected next manager, Carlo Ancelotti, were then given something to ponder as the choristers broke into a pointed refrain, "You can stick your Ancelotti up your arse."

Hiddink had by then risen from his seat to give a stiff, slightly embarrassed, bow. During Chelsea's post-match lap of honour he was less restrained, dancing up a guard of honour with the former player Roy Bentley, who was celebrating his 85th birthday.

Quite what Avram Grant would have made of this is anybody's guess. Like Hiddink he took over mid-season as the club reeled from a high-profile management departure. From a lower position he oversaw a second-placed Premier League finish (Hiddink's Chelsea will come third) and lost the Champions League final on penalties (Hiddink reached the semi-final). Yet he was barely tolerated by the fans.

"I've only been here a short time and I did not expect something of this magnitude," said Hiddink. "It was a big surprise. I thought it would be respectful, but not more. I have had second thoughts, third thoughts [about staying] but I have to leave. I feel sadness, but that is the reality. I am committed to the adventure in Russia."

Unlike Grant, Hiddink may finish the season with a trophy, the FA Cup. Chelsea are favourites to beat Everton at Wembley on 30 May and Hiddink gave his first-choice team the chance to rehearse. Only Michael Ballack, hit by flu, was absent. They were impressive, but Everton will provide more demanding opposition than Blackburn, who had relaxed after their safety was assured by Saturday's results.

In the fourth minute no one challenged Jose Bosingwa as he drove forward. No one was marking Anelka when he received the ball on the right. And Keith Andrews was too slow to pick up Malouda who met Anelka's cross with a header. Unlike his predecessors Hiddink has found a way to partner Didier Drogba and Anelka, and to draw consistently good performances from Malouda, without compromising the club's defensive strengths.

With Rovers, already injury-hit, losing both centre-halves it could have been a rout. Paul Robinson prevented that with a string of excellent saves but could not prevent Anelka drilling in his 18th league goal from Drogba's lay-off.

Hiddink, having noted Chelsea need to acquire more depth, and younger legs, this summer, concluded that he could return after the 2010 World Cup. "You cannot predict the future, but we'll see what happens when I leave Russia." Something else for Ancelotti, and any managerial target, to consider.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Substitutes not used: Hilario (gk), Ivanovic, Di Santo, Sinclair, Belletti, Mancienne, Stoch.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Robinson; Andrews, Nelsen (Doran 43), Givet (Khizanishvili h/t), Warnock; Tugay, Grella, Villanueva; Diouf, Samba, Pedersen (McCarthy 65). Substitutes not used: Bunn (gk), Mokoena, Treacy, Olsson.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).
Booked: Chelsea Bosingwa. Blackburn Doran, Khizanishvili.
Man of the match: Anelka.
Attendance: 40,804.

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Guardian:
Stamford Bridge faithful let Roman know who their favourite emperor isChelsea 2 Malouda 4, Anelka 59 Blackburn Rovers 0
Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink orchestrated another win, meaning he has dropped only five points in 12 league games.

Guus Hiddink bade farewell with a polite bow, a brief thanks to the supporters in an interview on the pitch and an admission that he has had "second and sometimes third thoughts" over whether he is doing the right thing to leave Chelsea so soon, yet it was Roman Abramovich whodeparted the occasion with most to ponder. This game had drifted beyond the hour when the most vocal section of the Matthew Harding stand broke off from their salutations of the temporary manager to chorus: "You can stick your Ancelotti up your arse." Their message was loud and clear.
It cannot have escaped Abramovich, watching from his executive box on high. Chelsea continue their pursuit of a permanent successor to Hiddink still hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti, long since their first choice to take up the reins on a permanent basis, will agree to sever ties with San Siro at the end of the month. Their resolve will not be deflected by the dissonant voices which punctured the praise showered upon the part-time incumbent, yet theirs was an uncomfortable show of dissent. ­Hiddink has been made welcome here by the fans more than any manager since Jose ­Mourinho. The frustration grows that this club will not be able to retain his services next term.

The players recognise as much. Nicolas Anelka, the game's outstanding performer, said: "We feel the same as the fans do about him. Since he came here, we've played so much better." A record of five dropped points in 12 league games, together with unfortunate elimination from the Champions League semi-finals to Barcelona and an FA Cup final to come, reflects the improvement, with the feeling mutual. Even Hiddink admitted he is torn at the prospect of departing after the Cup final against Everton. His hands, however, remain tied.

"I have many second thoughts, sometimes third thoughts," he conceded. "You cannot avoid them. You don't have a ­button to turn them off, but that's how it is. When I have to leave – having seen the reaction of the players in the way they've worked – I will feel a kind of sadness. That's for sure but that's the reality. You can talk about contracts but, when you are committed to people – Russia, in this case – and have given them your commitment with pleasure, I have to fulfil that. But that doesn't mean that it's difficult to leave this."

This was a celebration of the Dutchman's brief reign, a simple victory against opponents who had been rendered arithmetically safe by results on Saturday, yet the warmth shown to Hiddink during the game as well as after the final whistle left even this man of the world taken aback. "We did things with Australia, who hadn't previously had the confidence to reach a World Cup, and so we got a reaction there, and it was the same with [South] Korea. But, in a country that leads the way with the Premier League and has many big managers, I expected the reaction to be respectful, not more. I was positively surprised."

The reception was heartfelt. Anelka's beautifully dispatched goal just before the hour, clinically skimmed into the corner from Didier Drogba's lay-off, had prompted the locals to turn their minds to other things. The chant of "Roman, sign him up" duly went up, much to the owner's amusement, before the fans addressed Ancelotti's potential involvement. The Italian continues to send out mixed messages, claiming both that he was "yet to decide" upon his future and that he remained "committed to his contract" with Milan, which runs until 2010, after the Rossoneri's defeat at Udinese on Saturday.

That loss left them still striving for Champions League qualification, with Chelsea not expecting to make any announcement on Hiddink's successor – whether it be Ancelotti or not – until after the FA Cup final at the very earliest. "The board and Roman are actively engaged in recruiting a new manager who we believe can lead us to trophy after trophy next season and beyond," the chairman, Bruce Buck, wrote in his programme notes, "and also endear himself to us fans as much as Guus has." They clearly have a job on their hands.

This match was no reflection of the job that awaits the new man at the helm. ­Rovers were porous and prone, relaxed with their top-flight status guaranteed, and offered only sporadic resistance throughout. Chelsea might have run up a cricket score. Profligacy, and some fine saves from Paul Robinson, denied them a rout, but this was comfortable from the moment the visitors were prised apart four minutes in. There was to be no recovering a deficit.

That opening goal was outstanding, Jose Bosingwa sending Anelka scurrying down the right with the French striker's cross headed beyond a diving Robinson by Florent Malouda from just inside the penalty area. Malouda has been a man possessed in recent weeks, his form revived by Hiddink's faith in his ability to unnerve full-backs. His reward here should have opened the floodgates.

As it was, Blackburn clung on, Robinson denying Anelka and Ashley Cole from close-range, and Ryan Nelsen scrambling Malouda's lob from the goal-line, before Anelka secured the win after the interval. "It was a nice way to say goodbye," added Hiddink. Regardless, it was no way to greet his potential successor.

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Sun:
Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0

CHELSEA gave Guus Hiddink the perfect Stamford Bridge send off by easing past Blackburn.

Florent Malouda netted inside four minutes as the Blues cruised through the first half.
Nicolas Anelka doubled the lead just before the hour mark to go level with Cristiano Ronaldo as the Premier League's top scorer.
There was a carnival atmosphere in the second-half around the Bridge as fans paid tribute to boss Hiddink.
The Dutchman agreed to be Phil Scolari's successor in February until the end of the season.
Despite only reaching the FA Cup final and missing out on the Premier League and Champions League titles, he has become a fans' favourite.
There were chants of "sign him up", jokingly aimed towards Blues owner Roman Abramovich and Hiddink even gave the crowd a bow.
The Russian must have liked what he saw as Malouda's header fired his side into an early lead.
Jose Bosingwa started the move in his own half before finding Anelka on the right wing.
The France star's inch-perfect crossed was powerfully dispatched past Paul Robinson by his international team-mate Malouda.
Chelsea controlled the match with Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Anelka all going close.
But the game was not fully put to bed until Anelka's strike 15 minutes after the break.
Didier Drogba's unselfish lay-back was cooly slotted home from the edge of the box.
The introduction of Benni McCarthy from the bench could not spark Blackburn into life with Tugay's long-ranger their only notable effort of the 90 minutes.

morning papers arsenal away 4-1

The Times
Arsene Wenger loses his grip on reality as Chelsea crush Arsenal

Arsenal 1 Chelsea 4

Matt Hughes at the Emirates Stadium
Such is Arsène Wenger’s endless optimism that he sees the heaviest of grey skies as a dark shade of blue, but after this second humiliating home defeat in five days even the Arsenal manager must sense the storm clouds gathering over the club. If not, then the loud booing that rang around the half-empty Emirates Stadium after the final whistle will surely have altered even his sunny disposition.

The world as viewed by Wenger must be a beautiful place in which to live, because he sees no problems, only solutions. To him, the recession is probably a good thing that forces us all to go back to basics, swine flu should be welcomed for advancing the cause of vegetarianism and Mikaël Silvestre remains a top-class central defender. Then again, even Wenger’s optimism has its limits.

In keeping with the Frenchman’s relentless positivity it is almost possible to view Arsenal’s heaviest home defeat since 1977 as a good thing, if only for revealing the extent of rebuilding required before they are capable of challenging for trophies again. All of Arsenal’s biggest faults were in evidence, with a combination of woeful finishing and comical defending enabling Chelsea to stroll to their biggest victory in this part of North London since 1960 and secure a top-three finish in the Premier League.

The first step to recovery in any failing enterprise is an honest recognition of your faults, however, which has never been a Wenger strength, as was demonstrated by his postmatch analysis. He was once mocked for being myopic, but his condition is now gripped by delusion.

“It was not a 4-1 defeat today,” Wenger said. “You can be very positive or very negative. It’s a major disappointment to lose 4-1, but going forward we had a very interesting game and created plenty of chances. That was never a 4-1 game.
“We should have been 2-0 up before they scored. We made a mistake and were one down, but we missed seven or eight clear-cut chances and every mistake we made was punished because we were playing a team of quality. Three months ago everybody said we’d finish tenth and they’d have been happy to have finished fourth.”

In his programme notes Wenger had been even more indulgent, describing the two early goals his side conceded against Manchester United last week as an “accident” that should be disregarded, and arguing that Arsenal showed themselves to be equals to the champions over the two legs. Such a claim was eye-catching in print and was made to look utterly ludicrous out on the pitch, as the home side imploded.

Arsenal did start the stronger, as Wenger had claimed, with Theo Walcott missing four good chances in the first 20 minutes, but then proceeded to self-destruct in a manner that only they can.

Accident-prone does not even come close to describing recent defensive efforts of a side that have conceded 11 goals in three matches against Liverpool, United and Chelsea.

Many of Arsenal’s problems stem from the knee injury that ended William Gallas’s season against Villarreal last month, not least because it facilitated the return of Silvestre to the side. The French defender was culpable for Chelsea’s first two goals, being outjumped by Alex at a free kick controversially won by Didier Drogba and failing to close down Nicolas Anelka after he had skipped past Samir Nasri, although Lukasz Fabianski should have done better with his shot.

Chelsea’s third was the kind of aberration that seems only to happen to teams that are struggling, with Kolo Touré diverting Ashley Cole’s cross into his own net, while they were also hopelessly exposed for the fourth as Florent Malouda tapped in after Anelka had hit the post. Wenger must sign an experienced central defender as a matter of urgency this summer, particularly as Touré remains unsettled, although the same situation faced him last summer and all he came up with was Silvestre.

“At the moment I don’t know what funds will be available,” Wenger said. “I will be told by the club. I believe we need to continue to improve. Things are not as doom and gloom as everybody wants to make it after a defeat.

“We play in a strong league with opponents who are top quality. We have to continue to improve, but the areas where it is right. It’s not about quantity of money, necessarily. You wouldn’t like to come out and say we’ll buy four defenders. I feel we have quality defenders. It’s more a question of balance.”
To linger so long on Arsenal’s deficiencies is an injustice to Chelsea, who demonstrated impressive resilience to respond to their own Champions League exit by sealing qualification for next season’s group stage. Drogba was a menace for the right reasons, Malouda continued his recent upsurge in form and it is difficult to see them failing to provide Guus Hiddink with the silverware his outstanding work as interim manager clearly merits by winning the FA Cup.
It is equally hard to envisage a trophy of any description ending up in the hands of Arsenal, whose best hope of success lies with their women’s team, who claimed another title yesterday. The four years that have passed since the men’s last triumph is testing fans’ patience, although Wenger risked being accused of rudeness when he snapped that “everybody is free to leave the stadium when he wants” in response to a query about the mass walkout.

Not even Wenger can look on the bright side all of the time.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): L Fabianski 6 - B Sagna 6, K Touré 5, M Silvestre 4, K Gibbs 5 - A Song 5, A Diaby 6 - T Walcott 6, C Fàbregas 6, S Nasri 5 - R van Persie 6. Substitutes: N Bendtner 6 (for Diaby, 59min), Denilson 5 (for Song, 67), E Adebayor 6 (for Walcott, 68). Not used: A Ramsey, J Djourou, V Mannone, E Eboué. Next: Man Utd (a)

Chelsea: (4-2-3-1): P Cech 6 - J Bosingwa 6, Alex 6, J Terry 6, A Cole 7 - M Essien 6, J O Mikel 6 - N Anelka 6, F Lampard 7, F Malouda 7 - D Drogba 7. Substitutes: B Ivanovic (for Bosingwa, 77min), M Ballack (for Malouda, 88). Not used: F Di Santo, S Kalou, J Belletti, Hilário, M Mancienne. Next: Blackburn (h)

Referee: P Dowd Attendance: 60,075

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Telegraph:

Arsenal v Chelsea: Arsenal lack leadership as Chelsea secure third
The last time Arsenal lost a home league game this badly the nation was recovering from someone swearing live on television – and Didier Drogba was not even born.

By Henry Winter at The Emirates

Not since the Sex Pistols were at their blaspheming peak in the Seventies have Arsenal been this embarrassed. Never mind the ball-users, here's why they need ball-winners.

Forget the Beautiful Game, Arsenal must acquire some ugly traits: tracking back, closing down, not being turned, marking tighter, making tackles, making the loose ball theirs, defending more doggedly. Arsene Wenger is famous for not seeing his players' mistakes or misdemeanours but he must surely now detect the flaws bedevilling Arsenal.

No leadership; his captain, Cesc Fabregas, could have been dismissed. No toughness at centre-half; Kolo Toure and Mikael Silvestre were constantly outmanoeuvred. No defensive nous in midfield; Samir Nasri, in alarmingly polite "after you Claude'' mood, failed to stick with Nicolas Anelka who was presented with the freedom of the Emirates to score. If Wenger is going to win a trophy with his promising collection of players, and the potential of individuals like Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie is there, Arsenal's manager must make his side harder to beat. He must think Keown not Kaka.

The three teams above Arsenal in the Premier League all possess a better balance between defence and attack. In thumping Arsenal, Chelsea rubbed in the importance of power and resolve, bouncing back from their Champions League distress against Barcelona with real character.

Having turned the air blue on their last outing, Chelsea focused brilliantly on having the blue flag flying proudly again. John Terry dominated at the back, Anelka, Frank Lampard and the excellent Florent Malouda raided forward persistently while Drogba was on his best behaviour, minding his Ps and Qs and most definitely his Fs. Disciplined and dynamic, Chelsea swept into the group stage of next season's Champions League, leaving fourth-placed Arsenal to battle through a qualifier first.

The only swearing flowed from Chelsea fans eager to voice their verdict on last Wednesday's contentious Champions League exit. "**** Uefa; we should be in Rome,'' was chorused for much of the second half. Uefa's president, Michel Platini, certainly did not escape with a ribald re-working of The Clash's Rock the Kasbah. Nearby, an Arsenal banner declaring "Keep The Faith'' hung rather limply by the end.

Wenger is an accomplished manager who has some serious decisions to make, not only in the transfer market. The Frenchman must establish whether he is going to switch Theo Walcott into the centre. The England flier started on the right of Wenger's 4-2-3-1 system but was swiftly cutting inside. During a recent meeting, Walcott is believed to have discussed with Wenger his desire to operate more centrally. He deserves to be unleashed.

Walcott was certainly lively early on, even imposing himself physically on defenders, bowling Ashley Cole over to the delight of the Arsenal fans. He also tested Petr Cech with a flicked, near-post shot that the Chelsea keeper pushed away. Arrowing into the box, Walcott then cut the ball back but Abou Diaby sliced the ball woefully wide.

Walcott's pace is a strength Arsenal do not exploit enough; a couple of Fabregas balls over the top released the whippet-like No 14 down the channels and, although the threat dissipated, the lesson was clear. Walcott can do damage through the middle.

These early moments brought smiles to Arsenal faces, particularly when Kolo Toure went through the back of Drogba. When Fabregas caught Drogba on the left foot, the muscular striker went down a little too cheaply. As Phil Dowd brandished a yellow card at Fabregas, Arsenal's captain delivered his own verdict, indicating diving. Arsenal fans also responded, "same old Drogba always cheating''.
Drogba ignored all this, lifting in a free-kick and suddenly all Arsenal's flaws were highlighted. Alex outjumped Mikael Silvestre, steering a header past Lukasz Fabianski, who almost waved it into the net like a lollipop lady ushering kids across a road.

Arsenal sympathisers will point out that this was the first league goal conceded at home in 13 hours and 16 minutes, an impressive streak of obduracy obliterated yesterday. Arsenal's fragility was seen again. Fabregas was dicing with oblivion, lunging in on Malouda, grateful to Dowd's largesse. "The referee's from Norway,'' speculated the Chelsea fans. Staffordshire actually.

Arsenal went back to their passing football, Van Persie denied by Jose Bosingwa's goal-line clearance, before Chelsea went through the gears again, exposing Arsenal's soft centre when Anelka turned away from Nasri, raced through the middle and fired past Fabianski as Silvestre debated whether to challenge.
Arsenal's back-four was a mess. Anelka accelerated past Silvestre again. Drogba held the ball up well, taking another clattering without demur, this time from Toure. Arsenal's pain deepened after the break. The defence was in such tatters that Toure, sliding in a vainful attempt to intercept Ashley Cole's cross, merely diverted it past Fabianski. Confidence is always an issue with Toure's and his self-belief was now shot to pieces; he even conceded a corner under no pressure.
Facing a rout, Wenger had to send for the cavalry, however disgraced. Nicklas Bendtner dashed on, exuding an eagerness to atone for letting the side, and his trousers down on a recent night out. He delivered more than a belts-and-braces performance, hard work spiced with a good goal, heading in Bacara Sagna's fine cross.

Emmanuel Adebayor, missing against Manchester United in the Champions League, had arrived by then, to a flurry of boos. Arsenal briefly perked up, Van Persie testing Cech but worse was to come, Malouda poaching a fourth. Wenger has a lot of work to do.

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Mail:
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 4: Rampant Blues power past Arsene’s lightweights

By NEIL ASHTON

By the time Florent Malouda got the goal his fabulous performance deserved, Arsenal's supporters were already streaming for the exits, finished off for another season after finally losing the faith. They were beaten by a team assembled for magic money, Arsene Wenger's latest barb at their big-spending neighbours after Chelsea handed out the mother of all beatings in Arsenal's backyard. Gone backwards? More like gone at all levels.

Key battles were not lost, they never even started. Mikael Silvestre versus Didier Drogba? No contest. Cesc Fabregas versus Frank Lampard? Forget it. Robin van Persie versus John Terry? An embarrassment. It was a humbling experience for Wenger and his team, five days since Manchester United marched on to their territory and trampled all over them in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Once Alex scored with a header in the 29th minute, they were done for, the shattered confidence draining the life out of their tired little limbs, barely able to string a pass together as Nicolas Anelka, an own goal by Kolo Toure and Malouda's 86th-minute strike saw them off.

They have not lost this badly in a home league game since 1977, when an emerging Ipswich side turned over Terry Neill's team at Highbury, crashing four past the Gunners as the glory years began under Bobby Robson. Judging by events of the past five days, Arsenal's golden era has also gone, consigned to the time capsule that was buried under the main entrance when Arsenal made the ?350million move to the Emirates in August 2006. They occupy fourth position in the Barclays Premier League this morning, where they will remain until the final ball of the season is kicked against Stoke City on May 24, readying themselves for what is becoming an annual date with the Champions League qualifiers. After this they need a summer to recover, to recharge the batteries and remind themselves that playing for Arsenal remains a great privilege. Their supporters deserve better, certainly better than this.For 25 minutes they gave it a go, with Theo Walcott the most threatening Arsenal player, bounding his way past Chelsea's defenders and even poking his England team-mate Ashley Cole in the eye, much to the delight of the home support. With a new ?50,000-a-week contract in the post, he needed to show more composure in the opening minute, blasting his effort over Petr Cech's crossbar when Robin van Persie put him through. So far so good as Arsenal peppered Cech's goal, with Abou Diaby sending another effort wide and Walcott steering an inviting chance to the right of the post. It appeared to be game on until Fabregas clipped Drogba's heels, earning an inevitable booking after motioning to referee Phil Dowd that the most unpopular striker in the history of English football had taken yet another dive. From Drogba's subtle free-kick, Chelsea took the lead when Alex rose above the pathetic challenge of Silvestre to plant an excellent header beyond the reach of Lukasz Fabianski in the 29th minute. Arsenal looked for a leader, someone who could drag them back into the game but Chelsea, inspired by the mazy dribbles and the ghosting runs of Malouda, were unstoppable. Anelka scored their second just before half-time. It was too easy for the former Arsenal striker as he set himself up on the edge of the penalty area, fizzing a shot with the outside of his toe which spun away from Fabianski and into his bottom left corner.

Chelsea's supporters, still hurting from the perceived injustice against Barcelona on Wednesday evening, lapped it up, reminding the opposition-of last month's mismatch at Wembley when they met in the FA Cup semi-final. It got to Arsenal's players, notably Toure when he sent Cole's cross at the start of the second half beyond the stranded figure of Fabianski, a pitiful sight for this once great defender. The believers, the survivors still in the stands, were given hope when Nicklas Bendtner's header in the 70th minute beat Cech, a well-taken effort which met with the approval of Arsenal's dwindling support.

Moments later their hopes of a comeback were destroyed when Anelka's angled effort rebounded off the post and Malouda restored Chelsea's three-goal advantage. That was the signal for Arsenal's supporters to desert the stadium, turning their backs on the team as Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink showed a playful side to his character by blowing kisses at them as they left. After this, it might as well have been the kiss of death.

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Independent:
Drogba is a diver, says humbled Wenger
Arsenal......... 1 Chelsea......... 4
By Mark Fleming

The integrity of several Chelsea players has been questioned in recent days, but no one can doubt their resilience. The sense of injustice at the nature of their Champions League elimination to Barcelona last week burns deeply, and instead of ranting at a referee this time they took out their frustrations in devastating fashion.

Chelsea shrugged off the disappointment and the controversy to condemn Arsenal to their second humiliating home defeat in five days. Almost inevitably, it was Didier Drogba who was once again cast as the villain, accused of diving by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. Guus Hiddink showed his intention not to buckle to public opinion by selecting Drogba for his starting XI. The Chelsea striker has become public enemy No 1 for his furious blast at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Barça. Drogba has divided opinion since that tie, into those who loathe him and those who only hate him.

The Ivorian did not score, which is unusual for him against Arsenal. But he led the line with his trademark aggression and energy as Chelsea inflicted on Arsenal their heaviest home league defeat since they lost 4-1 to Ipswich in 1977. After an opening spell which Arsenal totally dominated, Chelsea took the lead on 28 minutes, and Drogba had a key role to play.

He won a free-kick, drawing a foul from Cesc Fabregas who was booked by referee Phil Dowd for moaning too much that the Chelsea man had dived. Drogba arced the free-kick to the shaved head of Chelsea's Brazilian defender Alex, who rose above a static Mikaël Silvestre to force his header in via the underside of the bar. Wenger was furious at the decision. Asked if it was a dive, he replied: "It was. We live in a league where divers are rewarded. It's not right but it's like that." Whether he is wearing flip-flops or football boots, Drogba cannot take a step without treading in some kind of controversy.

Chelsea manager Hiddink paid tribute to his side's character after a victory in which the club guaranteed at least finishing third in the Premier League. "I felt the injustice, not being in the European Cup final," he said.
"That felt like a huge injustice for everyone in the team. Then we have this reaction against Arsenal. It's been a long time since Chelsea have made such a big victory against Arsenal. That's why I'm very proud of the boys in the way they reacted, tactically and mentally." It was the first league goal conceded at home by Arsenal since 21 December last year, and triggered something of an avalanche. Nicolas Anelka, who should have scored in first-half stoppage time, doubled Chelsea's advantage six minutes before the break.

The former Arsenal striker picked the ball up in midfield and, as Samir Nasri and Silvestre left it to each other to make a challenge, he drove at the Arsenal goal. His powerful shot from 25 yards had pace and swerve, but Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal, one of three changes from the team that lost 3-1 to Manchester United in midweek, should have done better.

Chelsea again exposed the cracks in the Arsenal defence with their third shortly after the interval. The excellent Florent Malouda released an overlapping Ashley Cole, whose dangerous cross was met by Arsenal defender Kolo Touré who steered the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.

Wenger responded by bringing on Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor, the latter's arrival greeted by boos from disgruntled Arsenal fans. The response was swift. Bacary Sagna's hanging cross invited a finish, which Bendtner applied with his head from close range. The combination worked again moments later, but this time Petr Cech was on hand to save.

Arsenal only had themselves to blame as they should really have been a couple of goals up inside 20 minutes. Theo Walcott gave Cole almost as torrid a time as the home support.

The Arsenal supporters jeered Drogba's every touch, but the loudest abuse was reserved for Cole who had been excellent in midweek in defusing the danger posed by Barcelona's Lionel Messi but found Walcott a far trickier proposition. Walcott had four good chances to score in the first quarter of the game, but he missed the target three times and when he did find his range he could not beat the imposing form of Cech.

With 15 minutes left Arsenal were denied a penalty when Jose Bosingwa challenged Adebayor but referee Dowd waved play on. The decision effectively ended Arsenal's brief rally as within moments Malouda fired in a fourth to mark the Blues' biggest league win at Arsenal since 1960.

Wenger remained typically positive despite the scoreline. He said: "I do not believe this was a bad performance. It was not a 4-1 game. We are very disappointed. This is now an opportunity for us to show our mental strength."

Arsenal (4-1-4-1): Fabianski; Sagna, Touré, Silvestre, Gibbs; Song (Denilson, 67); Walcott (Adebayor, 67), Fabregas, Nasri, Diaby (Bendtner, 60); Van Persie. Substitutes not used: Mannone (gk), Ramsey, Djourou, Eboué.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bosingwa (Ivanovic, 77), Alex, Terry, A Cole; Essien, Mikel; Anelka, Lampard, Malouda (Ballack, 88); Drogba. Substitutes not used: Hilario (gk), Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne.

Referee: P Dowd (Staffs).
Booked: Arsenal Fabregas.
Man of the match: Malouda.
Attendance: 60,075.

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Guardian:

Chelsea exorcism hands Arsenal a devilish reminder
Arsenal 1 Bendtner 70 Chelsea 4 Alex 28, Anelka 39, Toure (og) 49, Malouda 86
Dominic Fifield at The Emirates

There were pockets of chorused defiance at the end from those who remained amid swathes of empty seats, but Arsenal's fans must be growing weary of brutal reminders that their team are so painfully off the pace. Arsène Wenger suffered his heaviest home league defeat as this club's manager here yesterday. What made it all the more humiliating was that Chelsea hardly had to break into a sweat to inflict it.

Wenger remains committed to his vision of the club's future but his insistence that this was far from a poor performance, and that all remains essentially rosy, did seem delusional. The past week has been so chastening that another summer of prudence and youthful acquisitions geared at the long term will surely not be tolerated by those who were grumbling their way from the arena long before the end. Manchester United had arrived in north London last Tuesday with the Champions League semi-final apparently in the balance, only to breeze to comfortable success. Chelsea, a side still smarting from their own elimination from Europe, took time to find their feet but, once their hangovers had cleared, ran riot.

Arsenal had actually excelled against other members of the elite quartet this season until the run-in but this suggested the top three remain some way distant. They had not lost a league game this heavily at home since 1977, with defeat bringing a shuddering halt to a 21-game unbeaten run which had inflated ­optimism after a sloppy start to the campaign. That sequence, if admirable, has now been put into context. Wenger's team will finish fourth, and their opponents in August's qualifier for next season's Champions League could ­potentially be awkward.

Their defence has disintegrated in the last week, William Gallas's absence with a knee injury keenly felt and Manuel Almunia's ankle complaint ruling him out here. Mikaël Silvestre is a shadow of his former self, and the sight of Kolo Touré wearily running the ball out of play for a corner betrayed his lack of belief. This group is horribly fallible. Wenger attempted to deflect attention from their vulnerability by pointing to errors in midfield, though the blame could have been justifiably spread throughout his line-up.

Cesc Fabregas put Arsenal on the back foot by wasting possession, whereas Frank Lampard kept Chelsea ticking over .

Chelsea wavered only twice, first through a sluggish opening and then once the game was won. The home ­support clung to hope in each brief period, but their team lacked the teeth to tear a hole in the visitors' rearguard. Nicklas Bendtner was summoned from the bench to head in Bacary Sagna's cross, his 15th goal of the season, but that proved scant consolation. Theo Walcott, all excellent approach play but little bite, Silvestre, Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie all failed to convert from close-range. Emmanuel Adebayor, who entered to a smattering of boos, tumbled too easily over Jose Bosingwa and Petr Cech when offered sights at goal. His ­confidence has anchored and faith in his ability is waning. Bendtner suddenly seems the better option, though that is not necessarily reason for encouragement.

Guus Hiddink's side revelled in their hosts' deficiencies. Chelsea were ­excellent – rugged, ruthless, imposing – and some of the nightmarish memories of Andrés Iniesta, Tom Henning Ovrebo and ­Barcelona have been exorcised. Didier Drogba, who will be charged by Uefa this week for his post-match abuse of the Norwegian official, played with the sense of a man who knew his every move was being scrutinised. He was a colossus helping his defenders at set-pieces, and a nuisance at the other end. Cesc Fábregas caught him just before the half-hour and, even if the Ivorian tumbled too eagerly, the free-kick awarded was legitimate. Drogba's delivery saw Alex thump a header in off the ­crossbar and Arsenal were sunk.

It became a procession thereafter, with the home side befuddled and prone. Nicolas Anelka, swerving away from Samir Nasri, belted in from distance beyond a shellshocked Lukasz Fabianski. The former Arsenal striker refused to celebrate, but he might have added a third before the interval – the Pole making amends – before Touré, stretching to reach Ashley Cole's cross, inadvertently settled the contest four minutes into the second half. The home support had heckled their own from the field at the interval. The three-goal deficit sparked a steady stream up the aisles towards the exits, just as it had in midweek.

Briefly, as Hiddink's team sat back, it appeared Arsenal might eke out more unmerited reward though Chelsea only had to generate interest to re-establish their comfortable lead. Michael Essien and the excellent Frank Lampard combined to liberate Florent Malouda and, after ­Fabianski had saved and Anelka hit a post, the winger tapped in the fourth. This was their best league win across the capital since 1960, with Roman Abram­ovich joining his players in the dressing room post-match to revel in the victory.

Hiddink has achieved the objective set him upon his appointment back in February, a third-place finish assured and qualification for the Champions League secured. For Arsenal, the reality is less comfortable. United can claim the title against them at Old Trafford on Saturday. Another galling afternoon potentially lies ahead.

Man of the match Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

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Star:

SORRY GUNS ARE LEFT TO SING BLUES

By David Woods
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 4

IT WAS deja blue for Arsenal as they were humiliated by opponents wearing that colour for the second time in five days.

On Tuesday Arsene Wenger saw his young team put in their place in the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United.

Yesterday they were put in their place again – literally this time, as now they are sure to finish fourth – as Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea consigned them to a first defeat in 22 Premier League games.

A difficult play-off for Champ-ions League qualification, poss-ibly against another big-name club, now awaits the Gunners.
As for Chelsea, they are sure to play in Europe’s top competition again and this convincing victory also kept alive their tiny hopes of the title.
And, of course, there is the small matter of the FA Cup still to go for, having beaten Arsenal in the semi-finals.

There was no repetition of the bad behaviour following their controversial Champions League exit to Barcelona on Wednesday. Having said that, it is easy to let your football do the talking when you are 3-0 up after 47 minutes!
This had been billed as the battle of the Champions League bridesmaids.
On this evidence, the Gunners are never going to be the ones to catch the bouquet and go on to win the trophy.

They were outplayed in every department by the Blues, just as they had been when United were the visitors.
At least yesterday they were on top until the 28th minute when the Blues scored against the run of play.
Arsenal were bright from the very start. Theo Walcott’s burst from the kick-off saw him hook over the bar after just 19 seconds.
And they should have scored in the 13th minute when Nasri turned Michael Essien before playing in Walcott, whose low cross was side-footed wide by a stretching Abou Diaby.

Walcott had another great opportunity in the 19th minute when Ashley Cole missed Diaby’s cross from the left, but the right-winger’s instant sidefoot flashed wide.
In the 21st minute a superb run down the left by Cole, after a slick one-two with Didier Drogba, saw him charge into the box and square to Florent Malouda, whose weak left-foot shot from 10 yards was blocked by Kieron Gibbs.
Cesc Fabregas made diving actions in the 27th minute after a little tap on Drogba’s left ankle saw the Ivory Coast striker collapse to the deck.It led to Fabregas being booked, home fans chanting ‘cheat’ and the Blues scoring.

Drogba took the free-kick and Alex rose superbly above Mikael Silvestre 12 yards out to power a header in off the underside of the bar. It was the first league goal conceded at the Emirates in more than 13 hours. Two minutes later Kolo Toure had to lunge in to stop Drogba scoring from close range after another impressive Malouda charge.

Fabregas was lucky to escape a second yellow and a sending-off when Phil Dowd let him off with a lecture following a wild lunge on Malouda.

Another snappy Arsenal move ended with a driven Fabregas cross being flicked on by Robin van Persie near the line, but again there was no end product.
That wasn’t an accusation you could level at the Blues, who went further ahead in the 39th minute. Ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Anelka was allowed to power straight through the heart of the home defence, then avoid a flimsy challenge from Silvestre before bending a 20-yard drive past Lukasz Fabianski.

Walcott, who has just signed a new contract, had yet another first-half chance, but snatched at Van Persie’s pass. Anelka should have made it three in first-half stoppage-time but fired at Fabianski’s legs.
But it was only a temporary respite as in the 49th minute Cole – booed throughout by fans of his former club – dashed on to a flicked pass from John Obi Mikel and his cross was turned into his own net by Toure.
Walcott’s awful afternoon continued in the 58th minute when he controlled Alex Song’s pass then shot wide.

Arsenal claimed one back in the 70th minute when substitute Nicklas Bendtner climbed above Essien to head in Bacary Sagna’s cross.
But Arsenal’s horror day was complete in the 87th minute when Malouda’s shot was kept out by Fabianski’s feet, but Anelka drove the rebound against the post, allowing his fellow Frenchman to tap in.

At least one Arsenal man was happy. Arsenal Ladies coach Vic Akers saw his team wrap up the league title again yesterday and he has now won 10 trophies in the same time Wenger has managed just the FA Cup.

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Sun:
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 4
From MARK IRWIN at the Emirates

IT is so long since Arsenal printed a league table in their matchday programme that supporters as near-sighted as Arsene Wenger might not be aware of their team’s current position.
So for Gunners of a nervous disposition... look away now.

For the stark truth is that your team are currently 15 points behind leaders Manchester United — and have played a game more.

If, as expected, they lose at Old Trafford on Saturday, the likelihood is they will finish the season a frightening 21 points adrift of the Premier League champions.

When striker Emmanuel Adebayor dared to suggest the team have gone backwards this season, he was slapped down by manager Wenger and relegated to the bench.
But even the famously blinkered boss can no longer close his eyes to harsh reality as his young team were brutally dismantled in their back-yard for the second time in five days.

Just like United in last week’s Champions League semi, Chelsea took full advantage of Arsenal’s shortcomings to win at a stroll.

Guus Hiddink’s men might have been nursing a king-sized hangover from their own European KO but that did not stop them from inflicting Arsenal’s heaviest home league defeat since 1977.

Champions League third-place play-off, the battle for London pride, the right to avoid the Euro qualifiers — no matter how they dressed it up, this was very much a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show.

For Chelsea, though, it was also the opportunity to restore their battered reputation following their controversial exit to Barcelona.
The visitors took such a mauling over their appalling midweek behaviour that you half expected them to turn up in a new sackcloth strip.
Hiddink hinted he was going to withdraw Didier Drogba from the firing line for his own safety.

But there was to be no rest for the wicked as football’s public enemy No 1 began his rehabilitation in style.
In fact, the whole Chelsea team were on their best behaviour as they seized the chance to rub Arsenal’s noses in their own inferiority.
They didn’t even protest when Cesc Fabregas escaped a second yellow for scything down Florent Malouda.

Mind you, they really didn’t need the added advantage of an extra man.
It was only a month ago that Chelsea had overpowered Wenger’s kids in the FA Cup semi-final.
This was more emphatic as Arsenal’s 21-match unbeaten league run went the way of all their other dreams.
Yet, for the first 25 minutes, there was no hint of what was to follow. Arsenal took the game to their rivals with their customary neat passing.
Theo Walcott’s early shot was beaten round the near post by Petr Cech and Abou Diaby sliced a glorious chance wide after pinching the ball off the toes of Fabregas.
Alex Song hooked another good chance wide and Walcott wastefully fired three more wide of the far post. It was only a matter of time before Chelsea made them pay so it came as no surprise when Alex headed in Drogba’s 28th-minute free-kick.
Now was the time for Arsenal’s kids to show their famous mental strength which Wenger is banging on about. Instead, they simply caved in at the first sign of adversity.

Nicolas Anelka doubled Chelsea’s lead seven minutes before the break when he ran unchallenged from the halfway line before smashing home a fierce right-footer from 25 yards.

True, the ball moved alarmingly in the air, but Arsenal were still entitled to expect keeper Lukasz Fabianski to have done more to keep the shot out.
Any thoughts of a second-half fightback were dismissed within three minutes of the restart.

Ashley Cole — mercilessly abused by the home fans — fired a low cross into the danger zone. Kolo Toure slid in to keep out Drogba but turned the ball into his own net.
Arsenal sub Nicklas Bendtner nodded in Bacary Sagna’s 70th-minute cross to pull one back but Malouda gained the reward he deserved by poking home after Anelka’s 86th-minute shot hit a post.
Hiddink, beaten in only one of his 19 league matches in charge of Chelsea, is going out in a blaze of glory.

He is in the FA Cup final and this win guarantees third place and automatic entry to next season’s Champions League. Arsenal will start the term early in the qualifiers.
Still, it wasn’t all bad news at the Emirates as the stadium announcer declared that Arsenal’s Ladies have won the Women’s Premier League.
Maybe Wenger can borrow a few of the girls to teach his boys how to win a trophy.