Poyet Polishes Off Town With Gusto
(Sky Sports)
Oliver Burley reports
Gustavo Poyet struck two blows for Chelseas foreign policy as Ipswichs
world collapsed in spectacular fashion.
The Uruguayan, whose first came right on the stroke of half-time, knocked
hi-tempo Ipswich clean out of their stride and reaffirmed fan faith in
Chelseas cosmopolitan plan.
On a day when the fortunes of Chelseas players were as disparate as their
nationalities, the clear loser was Frenchman Frank Leboeuf who did not even make
it into the Blues match squad.
In contrast, Italian Gianfranco Zola received a silver platter before
kick-off to mark his 200th appearance for the club. Dutchman Jimmy Floyd
Hasselbaink also became a winner late on by stroking home a dubious penalty.
John McGreal subsequently saw red for his protests, but Ipswich were already
scuppered and there was to be no comeback similar to Boxing Days heroics when
Marcus Stewart belatedly denied Chelsea their first away win of the season.
Early on, Stewart was once again Chelseas tormentor as he bagged his 17th
of the season after 23 minutes with a delicate chip that beat goalkeeper Carlo
Cudicini all ends up.
Ipswich continued to pressurise, but Chelsea slowly began to match their
opponents energetic start and a Dennis Wise header forced Richard Wright to
tip round the post.
Gustavo Poyet twice fired off-target, before on the stroke of half-time the
Uruguay international found his range from rather closer range in a re-run of
the Blues equaliser against Arsenal last week.
Under pressure, Wright failed to claim a corner and though Gary Croft managed
to clear John Terrys header off the line, Poyet nodded in the rebound.
Chelsea continued to turn on the style in the second half. Poyet smacked a
half-volley against the crossbar before Dennis Wise met Hasselbainks
right-wing cross with a diving header that gave Wright no chance.
Eight minutes later, Poyet slid in his second after Fabian Wilnis had been
caught out by Hasselbaink.
Further punishment came from the spot, even though Wilnis appeared to win the
ball in his challenge with Sam dalla Bona.
But referee Andy D'Urso gave the penalty, then sent McGreal off for foul
language to round off a thoroughly forgettable day for Town.
MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: GUSTAVO POYET (CHELSEA) Chelsea: Cudicini, Babayaro, Desailly, Terry, Ferrer (Gronkjaer 78),
Wise, Poyet, Dalla Bona (Jokanovic 83), Zola, Gudjohnsen (Melchiot 45),
Hasselbaink Ipswich: Richard Wright, Wilnis, Hreidarsson, McGreal, Croft (Jermaine
Wright 70), Holland, Clapham, Magilton, Stewart, Scowcroft, Armstrong (Brown 74) Att: 34,948
Chelsea
4-1 Ipswich Town
FA Carling Premiership
Poyet 45, 65, Wise 58, Hasselbaink 73 (pen) - Stewart 23
His midfield drive and timely goals manage to keep Chelsea on the straight and
narrow.
Subs Not Used: de Goey, Harley
Booked: Dalla Bona, Wise, Ferrer
Goals: Poyet 45, Wise 58, Poyet 65, Hasselbaink 73 pen
Subs Not Used: Branagan, Abidallah, Reuser
Sent Off: McGreal (72)
Goals: Stewart 23
Ref: A D'Urso (Billericay)