Jose Mourinho was magnanimous in
victory as he praised Arsenal following Chelsea's Carling Cup final
win.
Arsene Wenger's young charges showed real quality as they impressed
at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but Didier Drogba's clinical
double ensured that the trophy will be travelling to West
London.
The conclusion of the tie also saw Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure
and John Obi Mikel dismissed following an unseemly brawl, with Cesc
Fabregas and Frank Lampard also booked for their part in the
altercation.
Whilst Mourinho regretted the disgraceful scenes in injury-time,
the Blues boss was quick to credit his opponents as Arsenal's young
side gave a good account of themselves despite falling at the final
hurdle.
"It was a pity what happened at the end," Mourinho told Sky
Sports.
"I don't know what happened but I know it was not nice, and
especially for them as they played very, very good.
"They have a great coach, great players, but football is about
winning and the cup goes to us.
"I think we showed character, I don't think we played a great
game.
"It was difficult, Arsenal played a very good game in my opinion.
They showed the reason why they arrived at this game.
"They beat Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham with this team and they
have a great football team, but I think in the second half it was a
bit different as we dominated the game, hit the post and at the end
of the day I think we deserved the victory."
