Chelsea win dramatic Carling Cup final

Two goals from in-form Ivorian striker Didier Drogba earned Chelsea their second Carling Cup triumph in three years at Cardiff’s Millennium stadium as they defeated Arsenal 2-1.

Arsenal had forged an 11th minute lead in a thrilling contest when Theo Walcott scored his first goal for the club with a lofted shot.

But Chelsea equalised nine minutes later through Didier Drogba’s angled drive - and he outjumped Philippe Senderos to glance home a cross from Arjen Robben for his 28th goal of the season five minutes from time.

But the afternoon was marred by a serious head injury to Chelsea captain John Terry and red cards for team-mate Mikel Jon Obi and Arsenal skipper Kolo Toure and substitute Emmanuel Adebayor.

Frank Lampard, who had endured a quiet game by his own standards, hit the bar in the 74th minute with a typical long-range drive.

It emerged that Terry had swallowed his tongue on the pitch but had regained consciousness by the time he reached the tunnel and was later taken to hospital.

And Chelsea clinched the Carling Cup for the second time in three years when Drogba headed home a cross by Robben five minutes from time.

Shevchenko should have made it three with a minute of normal time remaining but, like Lampard, he smashed his effort against the woodwork.

Stoppage-time was marred by a mass brawl sparked by a confrontation between Mikel and Toure.

Both managers ran on to the pitch to calm the situation as various scuffles broke out and both players were later sent off – along with Arsenal substitute Emmanuel Adebayor.

Both clubs could now find themselves in hot water with the FA for failing to control their players.