Wilkins pays tribute to Drogba

Didier Drogba
12 April 2012

Didier Drogba's record against Arsenal was labelled as "phenomenal" by Chelsea's assistant boss Ray Wilkins after the Ivory Coast striker put the Blues on the road to victory at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast striker's 13th goal in 11 starts against the Gunners and an impressive 30-yard free-kick from defender Alex put Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The defeat left Arsenal with just one point from the last nine and seven points adrift of the Blues.

"Didier's record against Arsenal is phenomenal but he scores against all teams, not just Arsenal," Wilkins said.

"He scored a very good goal again. That type of back-heel is what Didier is all about. That's what makes him what he is. He certainly does make a difference when he is on fire like he was (on Sunday).

"Alex did the same against Liverpool in the Champions League but he practises them (free-kicks). It is not a fluke - he gets out there after training and hits those free-kicks. He works hard at it and reaps his rewards when it comes to him. What a goal it was."

Arsenal had plenty of chances to have beaten the Blues and boss Arsene Wenger bemoaned his side's lack of clinical finishing.

"We have to be more clinical to win Championships," said Wenger. "We cannot lose a game like that. Their strikers were more clinical than ours and that made the difference. Apart from that, Chelsea were on the ropes for long periods in the game.

"We had the chances but we need to score. I feel sorry for my team because they had an outstanding attitude. It was a great team performance with great energy and I give a lot of credit to my team.

"I feel sorry they were not rewarded but when you don't take your chances you don't win big games. We dominated the game, surprisingly easily, but we go home with zero points.

"The players on the pitch had enough quality to win this game. But we have to transform that into points."

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