FULL MATCH | Chelsea v Everton | Final ???? | Emirates FA Cup 2008-09

FULL MATCH | Chelsea v Everton | Final ???? | Emirates FA Cup 2008-09

The 2008-09 Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Everton was a match full of drama, determination, and sheer footballing spectacle. Played on May 30, 2009, at Wembley Stadium, it wasn’t just about lifting the trophy but about writing another chapter in both clubs’ rich histories.

Chelsea, under Guus Hiddink, were looking to secure their second FA Cup in three seasons, while Everton, led by David Moyes, were aiming to win their first major trophy since 1995. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable as the two Premier League clubs battled it out in one of the most memorable finals in recent years.

First Half: Everton's Early Promise

The game started with Everton looking like the side with the early energy and intent. From the off, they pressed high and tried to assert themselves on Chelsea, with Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman pulling the strings in midfield. Chelsea, however, were the more settled team, with Frank Lampard and John Terry providing leadership and stability.

In the 27th minute, Everton made their mark. After some neat build-up play, Joleon Lescott, who had been a towering presence at the back, found himself in the Chelsea box. A free-kick from Arteta was delivered perfectly into the danger area, and Lescott rose above everyone to head past Petr Čech, giving Everton a 1-0 lead.

The Everton fans at Wembley were in full voice, and for a while, it looked like they might be on the verge of history. Chelsea, however, were not the kind of team to be easily rattled, and they pushed forward in search of the equalizer.

Chelsea's Fightback: Lampard and Drogba Deliver

It didn’t take long for Chelsea to respond. Their trademark style — quick, attacking football — began to shine through. Didier Drogba, in particular, was a menace for the Everton defense. His power, pace, and clinical finishing ability were always a threat.

Then, in the 21st minute of the second half, the equalizer arrived. Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s midfield maestro, controlled the ball outside the box after a clever flick from Drogba, and with the composure that only Lampard can muster, he fired a stunning left-footed shot past Tim Howard to make it 1-1.

Chelsea now had the momentum. The equalizer gave them confidence, and they began to assert their dominance on the match. Everton, to their credit, didn’t back down. Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini continued to press, but Chelsea’s defense — led by John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho — kept them at bay.

The Decisive Moment: Drogba's Winner

As the match entered the final stages, it was clear that only a moment of brilliance could separate the two sides. With just three minutes remaining, that moment came.

A quick counter-attack by Chelsea saw Joe Cole deliver a brilliant ball into the box. Didier Drogba, as calm as ever, controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed it with precision into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Tim Howard with no chance. The goal came in the 87th minute, and it proved to be the match-winner, giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead.

The Chelsea fans at Wembley erupted in joy, while the Everton players and their supporters were left heartbroken. Drogba had delivered again in a crucial final moment, cementing his reputation as a big-game player.

Final Whistle: Chelsea’s Triumph

As the final whistle blew, Chelsea’s 2-1 victory was confirmed, and they had secured their fourth FA Cup title in the club's history. Frank Lampard, whose equalizing goal had been crucial, was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance in midfield. But it was Didier Drogba who had written the final chapter, once again proving that he could be counted on in the biggest moments.

For Everton, it was a heartbreaking defeat. Despite a brave performance and their first-half lead, they couldn’t quite hold onto the win. But their journey to the final was commendable, and many saw it as a sign of the progress the club was making under David Moyes.

Key Moments from the 2008-09 FA Cup Final:

• 27th minute: Joleon Lescott heads Everton into the lead with a well-placed header from a Mikel Arteta free-kick.
• 58th minute: Frank Lampard equalizes with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box to make it 1-1.
• 87th minute: Didier Drogba scores the winning goal with a clinical volley to give Chelsea the 2-1 victory.
• Tim Howard's saves: The Everton goalkeeper was superb throughout, especially in keeping out shots from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba before the latter’s winner.

Why This Final Was So Special:

This FA Cup final is remembered not just for the goals and the drama but also for the quality of football. Chelsea’s resilience to fight back after going behind, combined with their individual brilliance from the likes of Lampard and Drogba, made this a classic cup final. For Everton, it was a chance at redemption that ended in heartbreak, but their efforts were admirable. This was a final that had everything: a giant comeback, a moment of magic, and two teams giving it their all on the hallowed turf of Wembley.

Chelsea’s triumph was a reflection of their strength as a team under Guus Hiddink, who had taken charge of the club in the middle of the season and led them to a second FA Cup title in three years. The victory also helped them secure a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League.

Conclusion: A Final to Remember

The 2008-09 FA Cup Final will forever be etched in the memories of Chelsea and Everton fans alike. For Chelsea, it was another historic triumph, adding to their already impressive list of domestic and international honors. For Everton, though it was a painful defeat, the journey to the final was one to be proud of, and the players could hold their heads high.

Reliving the match today, whether you are a Chelsea fan celebrating another memorable win or an Everton supporter remembering what could have been, this final remains one of the best of its era. Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba delivered the goods when it mattered most, and Wembley witnessed a footballing spectacle that will live long in the memory