fastest fa cup final goal di matteo
Left-back Pearce stepped up to thunder a left-foot rocket past Erik Thorstvedt into the top corner, but Spurs went on to win 2-1 with Des Walker scoring an extra-time own goal. With nine minutes remaining, a visibly drained George smashed a superb 20-yard shot past Liverpool keeper Ray Clemence before collapsing to the ground with his arms outstretched in celebration. Last updated on 27 May 201527 May 2015.From the section FA Cup. He kicked on from there. However, the tension was considerably eased 42 seconds later when Roberto Di Matteo scored with a 30-yard strike which flew in off the crossbar. Chelsea took the lead just 42 seconds into the match, with Italian midfielder Roberto Di Matteo receiving the ball and firing it into the goal off the crossbar from 25 yards to record what was at the time the quickest ever goal in a Wembley FA Cup final ( Louis Saha broke this record 12 years later in the 2009 final after just 25 seconds, The ball exploded off his foot and over Ben Roberts, leading to a pumped up Di Matteo racing along the touchline in celebration, leaving his team-mates in his wake. The Reds won on penalties, with Gerrard successfully converting his spot-kick. His reputation had been growing steadily, but what happened next changed his life for good. Eddie Newton added a late second as Chelsea won 2-0 to end their trophy drought. Not that Robbie changed. Previously, the fastest goal in an FA Cup final at Wembley had been Roberto Di Matteo's opener for Chelsea against Middlesbrough in 1997 (42 seconds). Just ask Leicester City, who won the competition for the first time ever in 2021, and did so thanks to one of the best goals you are ever likely to see from Youri Tielemans. There was a clear winner in this category, with Cech earning almost 13,000 votes and way out in front of second-place Peter Bonetti. manor farm barn, frindsbury; universal reclining bucket seats Video, 00:07:26, 'Massive performance' from Man Utd - Ten Hag. The fastest goal in an FA Cup final at the time. Since then, they have won consistently.. The club had gone so many years without winning anything. Jump to content. This goal is iconic, Minto insists. Who scored the fastest FA Cup final goal? Ahead of Saturday's Wembley showdown between Arsenal and Aston Villa, which will be shown live on the BBC, we wanted you to let us know which is your favourite final goal. The sole entry of our 1970 winning side. Cooke played a major part in our win over Leeds, with a sublime pass to set up Osgood for that iconic diving header. The England Under-21 midfielder was only a teenager when he scored one of the defining goals of his career. Read about our approach to external linking. we wanted you to let us know which is your favourite final goal. Steven Gerrard's long-range goal against West Ham United in 2006 has come top in a vote to find the best FA Cup final goal from the last 50 years. BBC Sport is looking back at 50 iconic FA Cup goals in the build-up to the first round proper, which takes place in November. His skillfull abilities made him one of the Blues best assets during the late 90's. He scored 9 goals in his debut season and helped Chelsea to get to the 1997 FA Cup Final. Despite being more than 30 yards out, he let fly. Round 4: Hednesford Town 23 Middlesbrough, Round 5: Manchester City 01 Middlesbrough, Quarter-Final: Derby County 02 Middlesbrough, Semi-Final: Chesterfield 33 Middlesbrough, Chelsea took the lead just 42 seconds into the match, with Italian midfielder Roberto Di Matteo receiving the ball and firing it into the goal off the crossbar from 25 yards to record what was at the time the quickest ever goal in a Wembley FA Cup final (Louis Saha broke this record 12 years later in the 2009 final after just 25 seconds, coincidentally against Chelsea, though Chelsea won the match 21), breaking Jackie Milburn's 42-year record. Video, 00:05:02, From Football Manager to football manager, Potter insists there are positives within Chelsea camp. The 17-year career of midfielder Michael Thomas is best remembered for two moments.One is the injury time goal that won the league for Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in 1988.The other redeemed him in the eyes of the Reds as he struck home a wonderful half-volley to get them on their way to winning the FA Cup in 1992. His arrival was outshone by that of legendary Italy international Gianluca Vialli from Juventus, as well as suffering a back injury in pre-season. After Steve MacKenzie's stunning volley, Kevin Reeves gave City the lead - but Garth Crooks made it 2-2. A. A goal which deservedly takes its place on the list. Trusted News Discovery Since 2008. Louis Saha Only 43 seconds had elapsed and, at the time, it was the fastest goal scored in an FA Cup final at Wembley - a record since surpassed by Louis Saha, who netted against the Blues for Everton in 2009 after 25 seconds - but Di Matteo took it all in his stride. What a guy. Wed been inconsistent in the league (finished sixth) but we just felt our name was on the cup. Almost 50,000 votes were counted and verified and we can reveal the players inducted into our ultimate FA Cup final team below! Robbie had a dry sense of humour. No Chelsea team is complete without Super Frank, the Blues all-time leading scorer in the FA Cup. Roberto Di Matteo - Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough (1997) There could only really be one, couldn't there? Di Matteo picked up the ball on the halfway line before driving forward and firing an unstoppable effort in off the crossbar to beat a helpless Ben Roberts in the Boro goal from 25 yards. Every step of the way the fans were saying the same thing: Is this going to be our year?. But on his home debut in Englands top division in August 1996, the elegant midfielder made his mark, stroking the ball from 25 yards out to provide Chelseas first win over Middlesbrough that season. Di Matteo was a regular on the scoresheet with the Blues, thanks in no small part to his accurate, yet powerful, striking from distance. He was as cool as ever in the build-up to that day.. "I lost control of the ball just a little before the goal but I shot. The ball flew at a perfect trajectory over goalkeeper Ben Roberts before dropping sharply to go in off the crossbar. Middlesbrough kicked off but Italy international Di Matteo picked up the ball in his own half 35 seconds into the game. Read about our approach to external linking. This included going to every game home and away as the west London club secured the Champions League in 2012. ; Blue heaven in 43 seconds", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1997_FA_Cup_final&oldid=1133695092, May 1997 sports events in the United Kingdom, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 02:27. It was satisfying to know that we were in the team which had the record. After Spurs failed to clear a free-kick, Tommy Hutchison headed the ball across to MacKenzie, who hit a spectacular first-time volley from outside the box to make it 1-1 in the replay at Wembley. Video, 00:01:48, Up Next. In 1996, Di Matteo signed for Chelsea for a fee of 4,900,000. Can Everton ever be great again? In a week of anniversaries for Roberto Di Matteo and Chelsea, the Blues legend remembers his record-breaking Wembley strike in our 1997 FA Cup final victory over Middlesbrough. ROBERTO Di Matteo scored the fastest goal in FA Cup Final history 15 years ago when Chelsea beat Middlesbrough. Twenty years after his cup-clinching strike for the Blues, the Italian was one of the players interviewed for the book Blue Day, which told the story of that day and an incredible decade for Chelsea Football Club through the players who started in the final at Wembley. And yesterday the stand-in Blues boss created another record by winning. The drama caused by her brother was described to her in great detail by those around her and she couldnt have been more proud. Listen to BBC Radio 5 live's podcast on the top 10 FA Cup final goals of the last 50 years. But you already know what happened next. A simple pass found Di Matteo unmarked on the edge of the centre circle and he set off on a 40-yard run with no-one making much of an effort to stop him. In second place was a trademark Lampard strike from 2009 (14 per cent) and in third was Drogba's 2007 winner against Manchester United, the first Cup final goal at the new Wembley. Eddie Newton added a second after 83 minutes to seal a 2-0 win for the Blues and their second FA Cup crown. On a poll conducted by the BBC in 2015, the Italians effort was voted by viewers and readers of the website as the third-greatest to ever be scored in an FA Cup Final. Defenders have to defend, strikers have to try to score the goals, midfielders have to do both. He adds: I just went chasing him all round the pitch. pic.twitter.com/Vs0MaDverv. He knew how huge this game was, that people around the world were watching it. Right into the top corner.Have it. Its the only channel where youll get an authentic look at life at this great club. You can read a cup final exclusive with him now on the Chelsea website and The 5th Stand app. The fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final at the time. When it comes to naming the most important Chelsea goal in modern times, one stands out from all the rest. pic.twitter.com/QZtg7C4jMe. He was exactly the same afterwards; a really cool, chilled guy. Roberto Di Matteo/ played for Chelsea/ Retired in 2002 due to injury/Also scored the fastet goal in FA cup history. The sole entry of our 1970 winning side. Honourable mentions go to Eric Cantonas winning volley against Liverpool in 1996, Michael Owens late second against Arsenal in 2001, Ben Watsons header to win the cup for Wigan in 2013 and Santi Cazorlas sumptuous free kick a year later. It was the fastest goal scored in an FA Cup final at Wembley - a record since broken by Louis Saha in Everton's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in 2009. Speaking of *chef's kiss*, how about a stoppage time winner from Michael Owen to clinch the 2002 FA Cup for Liverpool? We were all a bit gutted about that, Minto adds. Eden netted the only goal of the game the last time we lifted the famous trophy, coolly slotting home from the spot as we beat Manchester United in 2018. It took place on 17 May 1997 at Wembley Stadium and was contested by Chelsea and Middlesbrough, the North East club appearing in its first FA Cup Final. But this . Famous former Blues include Peter Osgood, Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba \u0026 Eden Hazard. The Fastest FA Cup Final Goal. What a start. West Ham goalkeeper Hislop recalled: "You don't expect him to hit it from that distance if he is carrying an injury. 3. The FA Cup has witnessed some magical goals over the years. Video, 00:03:43Obada on NFL, troubled upbringing & helping others, Epic breakfasts & 585lb deadlifts - Jones' transformation. - Ten Hag almost forgets EFL Cup. Never was the result more spectacular than in his first FA Cup final, an occasion he had witnessed many a time growing up in Switzerland without quite grasping its significance. The Chelsea midfielders goal was not only a stunning strike but was the fastest ever goal scored in an FA Cup Final at the time, hitting the net after just 42 seconds. Louis Saha scored an even quicker goal for Everton against the Stamford Bridge club in 2009. Video, 00:01:48Top 50 FA Cup goals: Di Matteo's drive, Up Next. Well, it hasn't been branded 'The Gerrard Final' for nothing. Video, 00:01:05Potter insists there are positives within Chelsea camp. The fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final at the time. Middlesbrough kick-off but Italy international Roberto Di Matteo picks up the ball in his own half 35 seconds into the game.. It takes the effort of everybody involved, even those who maybe played less and those who didn't play: the kitman, the physio, all the masseurs. "I remember getting the ball and my first instinct was to attack," Villa told BBC Radio 5 live. The Northern Ireland prodigy scored his second FA Cup final goal at the age of only 20 - and it proved to be the winner. I was just saying, pass it to me and I was preparing myself to cross it into the area. 'Man Utd capable of punishing Liverpool' Video, 00:03:41, Obada on NFL, troubled upbringing & helping others. Top 50 FA Cup goals: Di Matteo's drive. It was the fastest goal scored in an FA Cup final at Wembley - a record since broken by Louis Saha in Everton's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in 2009. Completing our back four is our ever-dependable left-back, Ashley Cole. Video, 00:01:48 Top 50 FA Cup goals: Di Matteo's . This is the reason we're all here.It was one of the first games in the UK with a substantial amount of fans in attendance in more than a year, and they were all treated to an absolute scorcher.Why none of the Chelsea midfielders elected to close him down is anyone's guess but take nothing away from the strike as Tielemans arrowed one across Kepa Arrizabalaga right into the top corner.The precision and height of the ball made for one of the most aesthetically pleasing strikes you're ever likely to see. Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/auqi5OSeNj. Other Chelsea players were pushing forward too, including right-back Frank Sinclair. Fifteen years later as caretaker manager, Di Matteo led Chelsea to their only Champions League success to date, only to be sacked months later. By the time the two sides met to fight it out for the oldest domestic cup competition in the world, Di Matteo had a respectable eight goals to his name. So, there you have it! I managed to score the goal, which helped us massively, but it is a team effort. The sea of blue and the wall of noise which greeted the players before kick-off in the final let them know in no uncertain terms that there was no margin for error. What a player. Video, 00:01:48, Up Next. They pressed so high up the pitch after Minto had headed out for a throw-in, there was little cover when Wise won possession back. The Gunners led 1-0 through Freddie Ljungberg but 21-year-old England striker Owen equalised with seven minutes left with an acrobatic finish. No. The drama caused by her brother was described to her in great detail by those around her and she couldnt have been more proud. carol dickinson obituary; madame clairevoyant horoscope for today; southland mall sold. I remember that match, cos I think his sister had heart problems and she was there in the crowd watching him. The rest? With the Sky Blues losing 2-1, Dave Bennett's perfect cross was met by a Houchen diving header to steer the ball past Ray Clemence and send the game into extra time. Throw in his two cup final wins as manager of the Blues, the most famous of which was undoubtedly in Munich, and youve got the seemingly unanswerable question: what is the defining image of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea? Video, 00:00:19, '22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight' Video, 00:00:57, '22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight'. He was doing what Frank Lampard would go on to do for Chelsea first.. $count = count($specifications_fields['footer_content']['footer_assoc'])?>. Didier always delivered whenever we were in the FA Cup final and that was highlighted by the Chelsea fans, with the Ivorian the clear winner in this category. This moment sparked a celebration which made many of the back pages as five team-mates (Wise, Leboeuf, Jody Morris, Dan Petrescu and Erland Johnsen) posed with him for the cameras. FA CUP FINAL: Chelsea 2 (Di Matteo 1, Newton 83) Middlesbrough 0 Att: 79,16. Skip to main content. But if I can say that it is because football is a team sport. Gary Mabbutt - who had earlier scored in the right net - later put the ball past his own keeper as Coventry won the only major trophy in their history. Chelsea went in to the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough hoping to win their first major trophy in 27 years so nerves were understandable at kick-off. He took a bit of criticism because the shot went over him in the middle of the goal. Saha may have scored the fastest FA final goal ever after just 25 seconds, but this match-winning strike from Lampard meant Chelsea won 2-1 after Drogba's equaliser. Lining up on the right-hand side of midfield in this team is Ramires, who became the first Brazilian to score in an FA Cup final in 2012 as we defeated Liverpool at Wembley. Not only is it a thing of beauty it is the start of everything for Chelsea in the modern day. Scott Minto doesnt hesitate for a second. #OnThisDay in 2012: @19SCazorla becomes a Gunner ?We all Santi for many reasons - but especially because of thisWhat a goal. The only free-kick in the top 10, and it came after a foul that is perhaps as famous as the goal itself. Video, 00:01:05, Potter insists there are positives within Chelsea camp, Can Everton ever be great again? No words needed indeed.Liverpool had battled back from 3-1 down to give themselves half a chance of taking the 2006 FA Cup final to extra-time, and as the ball was cleared out from the West Ham penalty area on the brink of the full-time whistle, Liverpool were just praying it would fall to Gerrard.And it did. Needed.A HUGE #EmiratesFACup Final goal for @LFC, #OnThisDay in 2006 ? This winning goal was half of a memorable brace from Owen in the first FA Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium while Wembley was being rebuilt. Everyone remembers the chaos of that game, but dont forget the class of Cooke. History had been made too for it was the fastest-ever goal in the final, a stat which was beaten 12 years later against Chelsea, funnily enough, when Louis Saha converted with his left foot after only 25 seconds. Here, we look back at some memorable net busters which came on the biggest stage in English football, the FA Cup Final. West Ham had one hand on the trophy and were minutes away from causing an upset, until Gerrard fired a low drive from 35 yards past Shaka Hislop to level the game at 3-3. OOHHH YOURI TIELEMANS! On his home debut he scored the winning goal vs Middlesborough. I still feel for Roberts, Minto admits. BBC Sport is looking back at 50 iconic FA Cup goals in the build-up to the first round proper, which takes place in November. ? Winning goals in the finals of 1997 and 2000 - the first, against Middlesbrough, was the fastest scored in a Wembley FA Cup final at the time and an absolute worldie, too. Every week well be uploading fresh content from the training ground, our famous stadium and much, much more. - Ten Hag almost forgets EFL Cup, '22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight' Video, 00:00:57'22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight'. We had quality players with Mark Hughes and Gianfranco Zola up front, Frank Leboeuf at the back and Dennis Wise as captain. It was a very good idea. To score so early was unexpected, I must say! Middlesbrough kick-off but Italy international Roberto Di Matteo picks up the ball in his own half 35 seconds into the game. ABOUT CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB Founded in 1905, Chelsea Football Club has a rich history, with its many successes including 5 Premier League titles, 8 FA Cups and 1 Champions League, secured on a. 2023 BBC. Minto, who was appearing in his first, and only, final of his professional career, says: All of us were relaxed. But I was very lucky because when I hit the ball it went first up and then down behind the goalkeeper.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Words. We just had fun. Winning goals in the finals of 1997 and 2000 the first, against Middlesbrough, was the fastest scored in a Wembley FA Cup final at the time and an absolute worldie, too. Lamps enjoyed his best year in the competition in 2007 when he netted six times en route to the final against Manchester United but his best was two years later when he scored a screamer as we beat Everton. Here's hoping for a few more contenders to add to the list today. Video, 00:00:58'Massive performance' from Man Utd - Ten Hag, No regrets starting Kane on bench - Stellini. This week the Italian, who also fired three cup-winning goals for the. Louis Saha's goal resolved an awkward conundrum for serious quizzers (of whom, as you probably know if you're reading this - which you are - I am one). It takes some bottle to rocket one in from 25 yards in one of the biggest games of your life, but the Belgian is by no means the first to grace an FA Cup final with a stunner. The Chelsea midfielder's goal was not only a stunning strike but was the fastest ever goal scored in an FA Cup Final at the time, hitting the net after just 42 seconds. Chelsea won 20 to win the FA Cup for the second time, the first having come in 1970. With just 42 seconds on the clock, Di Matteo's spectacular strike against Middlesbrough. Roberto di Matteo led Chelsea to a famous Champions League victory in 2012 - cementing his status as a club legend. fastest fa cup final goal di matteogal costa discografia. . Saha's goal beat the 42-second strike by Roberto di Matteo for Chelsea against Middlesbrough in the 1997 final, which was the earliest goal scored in an FA Cup final at the old Wembley. Concetta. There are some really good pictures of it. . Fans sent them into me to sign and send back. [2] With the Hammers winning 3-2 entering injury time, a header clear dropped to Gerrard who, despite hobbling with cramp, thumped a first-time shot from 35 yards past Shaka Hislop into the bottom corner. Plus Robbie in midfield, of course. One of them is me with my hand around his neck., Sinclair had a bit more ground to cover but he got there eventually although it would come at some cost. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Trusted News Discovery Since 2008. Middlesbrough kicked off but Italy international Di Matteo picked up the ball in his own half 35 seconds into the game. Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 1997) What a start. Certainly one of the best times I had in my career. Middlesbrough's prolific striker Fabrizio Ravanelli limped off after 21 minutes, further diminishing his side's chances of victory. Video, 00:00:58, 'Massive performance' from Man Utd - Ten Hag, No regrets starting Kane on bench - Stellini. However, the tension was considerably eased 42 seconds later when Roberto Di Matteo scored with a 30-yard strike which flew in off the crossbar. Video, 00:01:01Epic breakfasts & 585lb deadlifts - Jones' transformation, 'I've not sought assurances on owners' Video, 00:01:00'I've not sought assurances on owners', From Football Manager to football manager. Another one joining in up in the stands was Di Matteos blind sister Concetta. United were down to 10 men after Kevin Moran's red card against holders and favourites Everton. Toni was Man of the Match when we defeated Manchester United in 2018, lifting the first club trophy of his career. However, the tension was considerably eased 42 seconds later when Roberto Di Matteo scored with a 30-yard strike which flew in off the crossbar. Michael Owen vs Arsenal (2001) . In extra time, Whiteside dribbled in off the right flank before performing a step-over and curling a perfect arcing shot around defender Pat van den Hauwe, past Neville Southall and into the far corner for the only goal of the game. While Eddie Newton provided a late second to ensure the game was won, it is Di Matteos contribution which is most remembered and revered. Video, 00:01:00No regrets starting Kane on bench - Stellini, Whoops! The final results were tight but it was Di Matteo's 1997 blockbuster against Middlesbrough that came out on top with 19 per cent of the vote. Ray The Romford Pele Parlour. That was the game which helped him settle in, feel part of everything, Minto recalls. This one makes the cut just for the sheer out-of-nowhere-ness of it. One News Page. Video, 00:07:26Can Everton ever be great again? Middlesbrough played a part in their own downfall. 402 views, 2 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Sportsignings: Di Matteo doing bits on the phone 2007 That was how long it took him to score the fastest Wembley FA Cup final goal, eclipsing Jackie . Video, 00:00:19, '22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight' Video, 00:00:57, '22m followers doesn't make it a 50-50 fight'. Fifteen years later as caretaker manager, Di Matteo led Chelsea to their only Champions League success to date, only to be sacked months later. Sylvain Wiltord played the ball to Parlour 45 yards out and as he ran towards goal, the Blues defence backed off, only to see the 'Romford Pele' curl home past Carlo Cudicini from 25 yards. "It changed my life in the English league.". And what followed was one of the FA Cup's iconic moments. Everyone was chasing me. Third was Roberto Di Matteo's goal for Chelsea against Middlesbrough in 1997. Video, 00:01:01Epic breakfasts & 585lb deadlifts - Jones' transformation, 'I've not sought assurances on owners' Video, 00:01:00'I've not sought assurances on owners', From Football Manager to football manager. 1 - @cpulisic_10 is the first American player to score in an FA Cup final, while it was Chelsea's quickest goal in the final of the competition since Roberto Di Matteo in 1997 (first minute v . Ljungberg then scored in his second final in a row as the Gunners won 2-0 to secure the Double. Video, 00:03:43, Obada on NFL, troubled upbringing & helping others, Epic breakfasts & 585lb deadlifts - Jones' transformation. When you were talking about English weather, a bit like Switzerland, you say it's always raining, but I always saw a nice and sunny day for the FA Cup final, a beautiful ground and a great atmosphere. In a largely disappointing match, in which Chelsea were generally in control, Chelsea eventually added a second goal seven minutes from full-time with Eddie Newton steering the ball into the net from Gianfranco Zola's clever flick to seal a 20 win.[3]. However, the tension was considerably eased 42 seconds later when Roberto Di Matteo scored with a 30-yard strike which flew in off the crossbar. SPFL: Premiership winner, relegation and top scorer markets settled, Real Madrid favourites to sign Sadio Mane, Stoke sweating for more than one reason ahead of Liverpool trip, Chelsea poised for summer clear out as Oscar deal moves closer, Punters urged to keep slips if backing Guardiola for Chelsea. He just knew how to keep everybody calm. We have already looked at the biggest FA Cup upsets, now its time to remember some big goals. The most 1990s English football goal you'll ever see.Free-kick from the edge of the box. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Video, 00:05:02From Football Manager to football manager, Potter insists there are positives within Chelsea camp. It was also the club's first major trophy in 26 years. We didnt stay in a hotel for three, four nights like many teams for the Cup final did back then it was just the one. Video, 00:00:19Whoops! For sender corporate and licence details please visit our Imprint page. All of 35 yards out. Read about our approach to external linking. Bow. With Hughes having made a clever run to take Middlesbrough centre-half Gianluca Festa back toward his own area, Di Matteo had a clear view of the net. I thought to myself, Maybe I will shoot, and so I did, was his typically cool post-match response to the strike. Very unexpected. Video, 00:01:48Top 50 FA Cup goals: Di Matteo's drive, Up Next. I have never seen Di Matteo celebrate a goal like that. But as a moment of high drama, importance and skill, 1997 will always be hard to beat. From Christian Pulisic in 2020 al the way back to Bobby Tambling against Spurs back in 1967, enjoy every single goal the Blues have ever scored in an FA Cup final. Video, 00:01:05Potter insists there are positives within Chelsea camp. It was the fastest goal scored in an FA Cup final at Wembley - a record since broken by Louis Saha in Everton's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in 2009. 116 minutes were on the clock before we got the opening goal in the 2007 FA Cup final, but my word was it worth the wait. On Thursday we are marking 10 years since the clubs first Champions League triumph, which the Italian led us to during his spell as manager and, incidentally, he also won the FA Cup that season by beating Liverpool in the final but before that, on Tuesday, it is 25 years since he first wrote his name in Chelsea folklore with a Wembley worldie in a famous win over Middlesbrough.