Drogba does it again for CHELSEA!
A single goal from substitute Didier Drogba was enough to see Chelsea move past Newcastle and book a place in the Carling Cup semi-finals.
Chelsea had the better of the opening stages with Michael Essien trying to re-create his wonder goal against Arsenal but sending the ball flying high over the bar.
Neither goalkeeper was especially tested until Obefemi Martins hit the underside of the bar with a stunning shot from 25 yards that had Henrique Hilario well beaten.
Martins’ attempt seemed to create some urgency in both sides but it was Andriy Shevchenko who took created the next real chance beating Shay Given but being denied by the far post of the stroke of half-time.
The introduction of Frank Lampard after the break galvanised the visitors and again they had the better of the opening exchanges looking by far the more threatening of the two teams.
But once again it was to be the introduction of Didier Drogba – who came on for the Shevchenko – that turned the game in Chelsea’s favour.
The Ivory Coast striker had only been on for five minutes when Nicky Butt brought down Arjen Robben on the left-hand side of the box.
Drogba stepped up and fired a curling ball round Given and into the top corner of the net to send Chelsea into the semi-finals.
"Sometimes you have a good period like this," said Drogba, who has now scored three goals in the last three games.
"It is very difficult to be on the bench and come on. The pace is very high."
Newcastle never looked like recovering from going one nil down as Chelsea picked up the pace and drew the fouls from a clearly tiring home side.
