Jose Mourinho was magnanimous in victory as he praised Arsenal following Chelsea's Carling Cup final win.
Arsene Wenger's young charges showed real quality as they impressed at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but Didier Drogba's clinical double ensured that the trophy will be travelling to West London.
The conclusion of the tie also saw Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and John Obi Mikel dismissed following an unseemly brawl, with Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard also booked for their part in the altercation.
Whilst Mourinho regretted the disgraceful scenes in injury-time, the Blues boss was quick to credit his opponents as Arsenal's young side gave a good account of themselves despite falling at the final hurdle.
"It was a pity what happened at the end," Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"I don't know what happened but I know it was not nice, and especially for them as they played very, very good.
"They have a great coach, great players, but football is about winning and the cup goes to us.
"I think we showed character, I don't think we played a great game.
"It was difficult, Arsenal played a very good game in my opinion. They showed the reason why they arrived at this game.
"They beat Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham with this team and they have a great football team, but I think in the second half it was a bit different as we dominated the game, hit the post and at the end of the day I think we deserved the victory."
Adding salt to wound?
Insult to injury?
Add fuel to fire?
It's fair , one got player kana kick on the face the other one got shirt kana pull to prevent from going forward. In the end the most expensive and older team win.
arsenal were the better team for most of they game but it was chelsea who took their chances. manu needed luck to beat fulham so did chelsea to beat arsenal
