Carling Cup just the start of Ramos revolution

There may have been more than a touch of good fortune about Jonathan Woodgate's extra-time winner but there is no doubt that Tottenham were worthy winners over lacklustre Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.

Spurs played with pace, hunger and swagger from the first whistle and were unfortunate to trail at half time through Didier Drogba's free kick, which owed much to Paul Robinson's poor positioning.

As Chelsea looked set to strangle the life out of the game in the second half, Wayne Bridge's careless handball gave Spurs a lifeline, Dimitar Berbatov slotted home the spot kick and Juande Ramos' men were back in business.

The game entered extra time and Woodgate profited from a lucky rebound as the ball ricocheted off Petr Cech's fist on to his head and bobbled into the net. Tottenham's victory ended nine years without a trophy and gave Juande Ramos his first piece of English silverware just four months after succeeding Martin Jol. The role of his assistant Gus Poyet must not be overlooked either. He has a significant presence on the touchline and clearly enjoys the players' full respect.

While Ramos' White Hart Lane revolution has been nothing short of extraordinary, there will be justified criticism of his Chelsea counterpart Avram Grant. His decision to drop Joe Cole and Michael Ballack certainly contributed to his side's insipid display. Nicolas Anelka, in an unfamiliar left-sided role, was almost a spectator.

Grant also took the chance to have a bitter post-match moan about the penalty award and the fact that referee Mark Halsey (who had an outstanding game) blew the final whistle as Chelsea were attacking. His complaints will fall on deaf ears in the Tottenham camp as they celebrate long into the night.

By Mike Dale

What was your view of the Carling Cup final? Tottenham, Chelsea and fans of all persuasions can have your say by using the boxes below.

Comments

[Bobby]

Sam - you are so funny please post another one. Got to go there's a Mackrel knocking at my door.

[Aslan]

The carling cup has become more interesting than the F.A Cup this is a fact. Even with all the minnows making it to the latter stages, you cant beat the exitment that was the carling cup final. It had everything. Here are more reasons why the f.a cup is losing its romance. http://blog.ukfootballfinder.co.uk/?p=90

[sam (svp)]

i love football but hate all aliens and other life forms other than humans ie fish those f**king fish fixed tht match chelsea deserved to win but thoase fish had there wicked way with the manager i will find them and destroy those damn fish!!!!

[Man Utd Fan]

Well done SPURS, you played some excellent football, SHAME ON YOU the spoilt rich kids in blue, typical bitter reaction from drogba, terry & Co, it's always the same when chelski lose the ball or lose a game.
Be prepared to see more of the same childish and bad attitude, when they finish this season with NOTHING.

[Glenn Abel]

Well done boys, you did us proud! And to all those spurs down at at N17 today, we showed Chelsea how to do it! Wish we could have been at Wembley to really rub their noses in it!

[Amo]

Spurs showed 110% made chelsea look like premiership strugglers for majority of the game in all fairness, Ramos new fitness regime paid off when it came to extra time. Chelsea acted like spoilt kids throwing their rattles out of the pram, except it boys and Mr. Grant, you were weighed, measured and found wanting. Come on the yid army well done boys

[Steve]

To my mind Joe Cole is the most exciting player in the Premiership and in great form. One question - What were you thinking of Grant? We gave it away. Well done Spurs - got it right on the day and at least we played a grown up teamin this final.

[Man City fan]

Spurs were without doubt the best so well deserved. I think the team selections gave Spurs their chance and they took it - Chelsea manager to blame or thank depending on your wiews.

[Nadine Gibson]

Immensely proud of the team today, come on you spurs!!!

[Jenny]

Knew we'd do it ever since we got to the final, regardless of having to meet Chelsea. Well done Tottenham, you've done us proud and back to we're you belong.... and still play attractive football. Delighted and can't wait to get to work in the morning to spread the joy!!

[Sally]

Excellent,wonderful,marvellous,you did the fans proud.

[bennington road]

Spurs are hot there is doubt for they have just knock Chelsea out ...... shades of Cup Final 67

[andrew morton]

super spurs a class above chelsea pride of london, nice to see chelsea lose with dignity lol "come on you spurs"

[Keith]

The best team on the day won the match, Spurs played well throughout the game, Chelsae showed some but were just not good enough to get past a brilliant spurs defence.
The reaction on the final whistle spoke volumes about the so called Chelsea "golden boys" winging to the ref when he blew for full time!
Well done Tottenham..you deserved it!!

[Steve]

Well done Spurs. They fully deserved their victory.
Pity that Drogba & the lacklustre Terry acted like spoilt brats at the end.
By approaching the ref at the end of the game they showed the true Chelsea spirit after a defeat.
£120,0000 a week I wouln`t pay him in spuds.

[tom cursley]

good game,deseaves the win, best team won, ledly,s back.

[darren]

well done the spurs proud of you all

[Dan, Tooting]

Fantastic victory for Spurs and the start of Ramos' WHL revolution! Typical Chelsea bitter reaction from Grant - plenty of cash but no dignity in defeat. Now for the Uefa Cup, come on you Spurs!