
Guus Hiddink last night defended Didier Drogba after his striker was caught up in a diving storm.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accused Drogba of diving to win a free-kick for Chelsea's first goal as Hiddink's men stormed to a thumping victory which secured third place.
But Hiddink claimed he was "proud" of his players and said Drogba showed character to play despite having a potential UEFA ban hanging over his head after his antics following their Champions League exit to Barcelona.
Chelsea boss Hiddink said: "We told him everyone would be focused on him, so he had to play the simple game. He put in the free-kick for Alex's beautiful header. He did not react to any challenges.
"I'd have to see the free-kick again. There were also some other incidents which the referee was very 'gentle' about. "Our victory showed this team is one of the strongest in Europe. That was a great reaction, and I'm proud of them.
Everyone knew after Wednesday it would be very difficult. "But it's a long time since Chelsea have had such a big victory against Arsenal.
That's why I'm very proud of the boys in the way they reacted, tactically and mentally."


