toptop

Shaun Wright-Phillips was the hero for 10-man Chelsea as the Blues grabbed a dramatic late winner against Everton in a frenetic Carling Cup semi-final.

The first leg at Stamford Bridge looked to be heading for a draw until Wright-Phillips somehow pressured the unfortunate Joleon Lescott into heading into his own net in the second minute of added time.

England winger Wright-Phillips had opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a superb curling effort after Florent Malouda had split a static Everton defence as the home side dominated the first period.

But John Obi Mikel's harsh dismissal in the 55th minute for a sliding challenge on Phil Neville, which was late but lacked any malice, changed the complexion of the game.

Everton hit back with Yakubu Aiyegbeni lashing an unstoppable half-volley into the top corner after Hilario flapped at James McFadden's free-kick and Joseph Yobo played the ball back into the area.

And with time running out, Lescott was left rooted to the spot as Michael Ballack's looping cross drifted towards the far post, and with the diminutive Wright-Phillips leaping behind him, could only direct the ball into his own net.

Skirmishes

The first half, while dominated by Chelsea, produced few moments of note although it would have got off to a better start had Blues right-back Juliano Belletti managed to get his 20-yard drive on target.

Chelsea, much the better side in the opening skirmishes, were finally rewarded for their endeavours with the opening goal in the 26th minute.

A throw-in on the left flank was brought under control by Malouda before he cleverly found the unmarked Wright-Phillips lurking with intent on the edge of the penalty area.

The England winger has often squandered such opportunities this season but this time he sent a curling shot beyond the outstretched Tim Howard and into the net via the far post.

Three minutes later Chelsea almost made it two when Joe Cole's run was halted unfairly on the edge of the penalty area and Ballack's free-kick flew inches wide of the far post with Howard beaten.

Everton had offered little in the opening half but they raised the tempo in the second period even though they could have been two down from the restart.

Wright-Phillips found himself with just Howard to beat on the edge of the penalty area but sent his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Lunge

But then came Mikel's indiscretion, though referee Peter Walton's decision looked a harsh one after a lunge at Neville.

But it was also the catalyst for the game to turn into a bad-tempered affair, with Walton handing out six yellow cards in the end.

Chelsea could have doubled their advantage again when Wright-Phillips put Claudio Pizarro in the clear but the Peruvian striker could not find a way past Howard.

They paid for it in the 66th minute when Walton awarded Everton a free-kick for handball by Alex.

When McFadden sent the ball into the box, Hilario flapped badly could only half clear their lines and Yakubu lashed his shot into the roof of the net.

Heated

The heated exchanges continued when Lescott took umbrage at a rash challenge by Belletti and yet Walton failed to take any action against Neville when he floored Malouda on the edge of the Everton penalty area.

Everton were unlucky not to grab the lead themselves when a great run and cross from McFadden eluded everyone in the six-yard box.

The game was marred throughout by blustery conditions and while Chelsea had mastered them better than their opponents, the Blues were thwarted by a determined rearguard action from the Merseysiders.

The last four minutes of added time brought with it a sense of anticipation and yet the Chelsea faithful were rewarded with a goal out of nothing.

There appeared to be little danger when Ballack's hopeful overhead kick pitted the diminutive Wright-Phillips against England defender Lescott.

But the Chelsea winger out-jumped Lescott, and the defender was pressured into heading the ball beyond Howard to secure Chelsea's last-gasp victory.

Teams

Chelsea  Hilario, Alex, Belletti, Bridge, Carvalho, Ballack, J. Cole (Sidwell 61), Malouda (Ben-Haim 90), Mikel, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro (Ferreira 83)
Subs Not Used  Cudicini, Sahar
Booked  J. Cole, Belletti
Sent Off  Mikel
Goals  Wright-Phillips 26, Lescott (og) 90

Everton  Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Neville, Yobo, Cahill, Carsley, Jagielka, Johnson, McFadden, Yakubu (Anichebe 90)
Subs Not Used Wessels, Valente, Gravesen, Vaughan
Booked Carsley, Hibbert, Neville, Johnsonl
Goals Yakubu 64

Attendance 41,178

Referee P. Walton