Didier Drogba is extensively considered Chelsea’s greatest-ever striker.
Throughout eight seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2012, the Ivorian scored a complete of 164 objectives – a determine that makes him the Blues’ fourth-highest scorer of all time and their second-highest scorer of the twenty first century, behind solely Frank Lampard.
From bullet headers to tap-ins, long-range belters to free-kicks, Drogba may do all of it, whereas his propensity for locating the web in cup finals stays unmatched.
He scored an astonishing 9 objectives in 9 finals for the west London membership, together with three winners in FA Cup finals.
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“At his greatest, he was unplayable,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher as soon as stated of Drogba, whereas ex-Barcelona defender Gerard Pique beforehand known as him “among the finest strikers I’ve seen”.
Listed here are what we predict are Drogba’s greatest Chelsea objectives, considering components comparable to high quality and significance.
7
Bolton v Chelsea, January 2011
Web-buster begins Reebok rout
Chelsea thrashed Bolton Wanderers 4-0 when the 2 sides met on the Reebok Stadium within the 2010/11 Premier League season because of objectives from Drogba, Florent Malouda, Ramires and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.
Drogba’s aim was the decide of the bunch. After receiving the ball about 40 yards out with loads of choices forward of him, slightly than use them like most would, the Ivorian selected to take a few touches and belt the ball in direction of aim himself.
Often, such efforts would find yourself in Row Z, however not Drogba’s. Earlier than Bolton ‘keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen knew it, the ball had flashed between his gloves and into the again of his internet.
6
Chelsea v Manchester United, Might 2007
Drogba scores winner in first ultimate at new Wembley
Drogba’s extra-time strike in opposition to Manchester United within the 2007 FA Cup ultimate was his first of 4 in FA Cup finals.
After 116 minutes and not using a aim on the new Wembley, the Ivorian performed a neat one-two with Frank Lampard on the sting of United’s field earlier than gently lobbing the ball over the onrushing Edwin van der Sar.
The aim was sufficient to clinch the trophy for the Blues for the primary time in seven years. Drogba once more discovered the goal within the 2009, 2010 and 2012 FA Cup finals, all of which Chelsea received.
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5
Arsenal v Chelsea, November 2009
Good Drogba brace sinks Arsenal yet another
No membership feared Drogba like Arsenal. Throughout his profession at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea star hit a whopping 13 objectives in simply 15 video games in opposition to the Gunners – greater than he managed in opposition to every other group.
Two of his greatest objectives in opposition to the north Londoners got here in a 3-0 win for the Blues in November 2009 on the Emirates Stadium.
His first was an expertly guided effort into the highest nook from a low cross by Ashley Cole, whereas his second was a thunderous free-kick that he struck along with his in-step and ended up within the aspect netting. Which was higher? We’ll allow you to resolve.
4
Chelsea v Portsmouth, Might 2010
Drogba scores once more in FA Cup ultimate
Drogba’s aim in opposition to Portsmouth within the 2010 FA Cup ultimate at Wembley was virtually a carbon copy of his free-kick in opposition to Arsenal from the earlier 12 months, however with added significance.
Scored once more with the in-step of his proper foot – a free-kick method which turned his trademark throughout his latter years at Chelsea – the aim was not solely sufficient to safe a 1-0 victory for the Blues within the ultimate, it additionally ensured the membership received their first-ever home double, having secured the Premier League the earlier weekend.
“It is a implausible day for us, for the membership, and for me as effectively, as a result of [it’s] the primary time as an expert I achieved the double,” he stated after the sport.
“It is superb, you understand. It is troublesome to seek out the phrases to explain how I really feel proper now.”
3
Everton v Chelsea, December 2006
Blues bag two screamers in comeback win
Chelsea needed to come from behind twice to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park in late 2006.
Mikel Arteta had put the hosts in entrance from the spot, however the Blues levelled by means of a Tim Howard own-goal shortly after the break. Defender Joseph Yobo then restored Everton’s lead, which David Moyes’ aspect held till the 81st minute when Frank Lampard hit a dipping screamer from simply exterior the field.
Six minutes later, Drogba broke Everton hearts, and one-upped Lampard with an outstanding strike of his personal, firing residence a thumping half-volley from 35 yards out to safe all three factors for Jose Mourinho’s group.
2
Chelsea v Liverpool, September 2006
Drogba’s flip and shot stuns flat-footed Reina
Drogba scored the one aim as Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 at Stamford Bridge early within the 2006/07 season, and boy, was it one for the historical past books.
Receiving the ball on the sting of the Liverpool field along with his again to aim, the Chelsea striker chested the ball down, turned swiftly, and slammed it in direction of aim on the half-volley along with his supposedly weaker left foot.
Reds ‘keeper Pepe Reina may solely watch on in disbelief because the ball nestled within the aspect of his internet and Drogba reeled away in celebration, additionally wanting barely stunned at what precisely he’d simply completed.
Drogba advised the Premier League’s official web site in 2016 that the aim was his favorite from his time within the English high flight.
1
Bayern Munich v Chelsea, Might 2012
Drogba breaks Bayern hearts – twice
Drogba’s late aim in opposition to Bayern Munich within the 2012 Champions League ultimate is an important within the membership’s historical past.
Trailing the German giants 1-0 within the 88th minute, the Chelsea striker leapt above everyone within the field to go in from Juan Mata’s nook on the close to submit in emphatic trend.
After extra-time ended and not using a winner, the sport then went to a penalty shootout, the place Drogba stepped as much as slot residence the successful spot-kick and bag the Blues their first Champions League trophy. It does not get any higher than that.