CHELSEA TOPS PORTSMOUTH IN FA CUP FINAL

In a matchup between the top and bottom team in the English Premier League, Chelsea defeated Portsmouth 1-0 to win the FA Cup.  It was far from an easy victory, and although Chelsea dominated play they squandered numerous chances to extend the score including a missed penalty kick.  Portsmouth also missed a penalty kick that could have drastically changed the outcome of the game.  Ultimately, the deciding goal was scored by Chelsea’s Deider Drogba at the 59 minute on a 20 yard free kick.

Soccer betting enthusiasts who backed Chelsea as a -400 favorite had to sweat a little more than they thought they would, but ultimately got the victory.  Takeback on Portsmouth was a hefty +1100 with the draw priced at +600.  These prices were for the first 90 minutes of gameplay only, and Chelsea was priced as high as -1000 to win the FA Cup outright.

Having clinched the English Premier League title last Sunday, the win left Chelsea as one of only 7 teams in history to win both the Premiership and the FA Cup in the same year.  Adding to the impressive accomplishment is the fact that it happened in manager Carlo Ancelotti's first season at the helm.  Portsmouth could take considerable solace for just making the final—they’ve been relegated to the Football Championship league for next year and have suffered countless off field financial problems.

The final score was much closer than the statistical tally would suggest, as Chelsea dominated throughout.  They outshot Portsmouth 23-2 and held a 56% to 44% time of possession advantage.  Both teams missed a number of scoring chances—each side missed a penalty kick and Chelsea had shots carom off the goal frame no less than 5 times.  Team manager Ancelotti was just happy to come out on top of such a strange game:

"That was strange. It has never happened in my career to hit five posts in one half. Then we didn't start the second half well and the match was not in control. But I was not worried because the team were playing a good match and we had a lot of chances.''

Ancelloti reveled in the FA Cup victory, but made clear that he wants to add a Champions League title to his resume:

"Chelsea have never won the Champions League and it will be one of our aims for next season. But the Premier League and the FA Cup will also be important.”

"We wanted to win the Champions League this season but this team has the quality to win the Champions League without any changes. But today was a fantastic victory. We have to be happy for these trophies.''

The game was doubly emotional for Portsmouth, as due to their financial struggles many of the players on the field for the FA Cup final won’t be back next season.  Chelsea looks forward to defending their Premiership title in 2011, while Portsmouth will try to get their house in order and get back to the top level of English football.