Didier Drogba is extensively thought to be Chelsea’s greatest-ever striker.
Throughout eight seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2012, the Ivorian scored a complete of 164 targets – 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 targets 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 mentioned of Drogba, whereas ex-Barcelona defender Gerard Pique beforehand known as him “among the finest strikers I’ve seen”.
Listed here are what we expect are Drogba’s greatest Chelsea targets, considering components equivalent 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 due to targets from Drogba, Florent Malouda, Ramires and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.
Drogba’s aim was the choose of the bunch. After receiving the ball about 40 yards out with loads of choices forward of him, moderately than use them like most would, the Ivorian selected to take a few touches and belt the ball in direction of aim himself.
Normally, 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 last at new Wembley
Drogba’s extra-time strike towards Manchester United within the 2007 FA Cup last was his first of 4 in FA Cup finals.
After 116 minutes with out 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 targets in simply 15 video games towards the Gunners – greater than he managed towards every other crew.
Two of his greatest targets towards 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 determine.
4
Chelsea v Portsmouth, Might 2010
Drogba scores once more in FA Cup last
Drogba’s aim towards Portsmouth within the 2010 FA Cup last at Wembley was nearly a carbon copy of his free-kick towards Arsenal from the earlier yr, 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 last, it additionally ensured the membership received their first-ever home double, having secured the Premier League the earlier weekend.
“It is a incredible day for us, for the membership, and for me as nicely, as a result of [it’s] the primary time as knowledgeable I achieved the double,” he mentioned after the sport.
“It is superb, you understand. It is troublesome to search 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 way 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 excellent strike of his personal, firing house a thumping half-volley from 35 yards out to safe all three factors for Jose Mourinho’s crew.
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 shocked at what precisely he’d simply executed.
Drogba advised the Premier League’s official web site in 2016 that the aim was his favorite from his time within the English prime flight.
1
Bayern Munich v Chelsea, Might 2012
Drogba breaks Bayern hearts – twice
Drogba’s late aim towards Bayern Munich within the 2012 Champions League last is crucial within the membership’s historical past.
Trailing the German giants 1-0 within the 88th minute, the Chelsea striker leapt above all people within the field to go in from Juan Mata’s nook on the close to put up in emphatic vogue.
After extra-time ended with out a winner, the sport then went to a penalty shootout, the place Drogba stepped as much as slot house the successful spot-kick and bag the Blues their first Champions League trophy. It does not get any higher than that.
