12+ minutes of highlights
Cashley Cole skying his PK was extra icing for Gunner fans still recovering from the marvelous Barca victory. But for Chelsea their season got a lot longer as they were dumped out by Everton losing on a 4-3 PK shootout.
The teams fought each other to a 1-1 standstill in regulation and extra time. And as the PK progressed it was Everton in danger of falling as Lampard and Drogba were on target as Leighton Baines the extra time hero for Everton had his effort saved by Cech. But Jagielka converted to narrow it down to 2-1. Tim Howard provided the first turning point as he saved Nicholas Anelka’s casual effort. Mikel Arteta restored parity as he drilled the ball past Cech. The unflappable Michael Essien shot Chelsea into the lead but Johnny Heitinga following up made sure that the Toffees were in the game. Then came Cole’s extravagant mistake and in a flash, Everton were on the doorstep. Veteran Phil Neville made no mistake.
For Carlo Ancelotti the loss makes his position very vulnerable. Already there is talk of his resignation and if he dithers then the boss will show no qualms following through with a pink slip. The transfer of Fernando Torres has not provided an instant lift and Didier Drogba is way off from his usual cracking high standards.
Which begets the question: Will this be Drogba’s last season at Chelsea?