Chelsea vs Tottenham: A gruelling inter-city rivalry in recent seasons

April 15, 2012- Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea

Goalmouth melee in the match

Chelsea thrashed Tottenham to set up an FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool but the victory was accompanied by fierce controversy.

Roberto Di Matteo was surely bringing the confidence back to the pale Chelsea side that had a string of bad results coming into this match.

It was the beginning of an historic Chelsea spring, with Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona scheduled midweek at Stamford Bridge.

Well, we all know how both finals went.

Coming back to the match, Chelsea were leading in the second half through Didier Drogba‘s goal when Ledley King and Benoit Assou-Ekotto blocked Juan Mata’s shot in a chaotic penalty area scramble.

The ball did not appear to cross the line, a view supported by television replays. But, Chelsea captain John Terry compounding pressure meant that referee Atkinson awarded the goal to the obvious anger of Spurs and their then-manager Harry Redknapp.

With further goals from Ramires, Lampard, and Malouda, Chelsea were overwhelming winners in the end.