Drogba goal secures Chelsea win
Didier Drogba enjoying life under Guus Hiddink
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Tuesday, 03, Mar 2009 09:54
Didier Drogba struck a second-half winner as Chelsea maintained second position in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth.
It needed a classy finish from someone like Drogba for there to be a goal in the game at Fratton Park, which was badly affected by the weather.
Heavy rain and the windy conditions made it difficult for either side to get the ball down on the floor and pass it around. Instead long-range shots on goal seem to be the best way to breaking the deadlock.
Chances were rare in the first-half and the closest there was to a goal came through one of a number of long-range shots. Portsmouth midfielder saw his driven effort from the edge of the penalty area superbly saved by Petr Cech.
Chelsea, who hammered Portsmouth 4-0 on the opening day of the season, found life a lot more difficult this time around. A firm Michael Ballack header, which was well saved by David James, was the best they had to show from the first-half.
David Nugent has been given a new lease of life under caretaker manager Paul Hart and the striker almost got his name on the scoresheet again. The England forward was put through on goal thanks to a headed flick-on from strike partner Peter Crocuh, but the former Preston striker was unable to beat Cech.
Nugent and Portsmouth were made to pay for the missed chance as Drogba showed his class with a terrific finish. The Ivorian found space in the area from a Jose Bosingwa cross and arrowed his shot into the back of the net past James.
Portsmouth threw everything at Chelsea in the dying moments, including Jams going up for a corner, but they were unable to find an equaliser and are now heading back towards the relegation zone.