In a game lacking of chances, Olivier Bernard came close for the Geordies towards the end of the first half, drawing a magnificent save from the recalled Carlo Cudicini.
Newcastle's best chances in the second half were reserved for Laurent Robert's long distance free kicks. Both times, Carlo did well to beat away the scud missiles sent from Robert's left peg!
Chelsea should have won the game when our best move of the match resulted in Tiago one on one with Given. But the Portugese midfielder somehow managed to stab the ball wide. The introductions of Frank Lampard and Arjen Robben had seemingly inspired the players into actually doing something!
So into Extra Time we went, and five minutes in Jose made his intentions known. Off came the defensive midfielder Scott Parker, to be replaced by the forward Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Icelander proved to have the midas touch just three minutes after coming on.
A throw in by Newcastle deep in their zone was intercepted by Robben, who stabbed the ball into the path of Eidur. A quick shift of the ball gave him space and he made no mistake, firing the ball low and hard past Given via the post. 1-0 Chelsea!
Newcastle looked beaten at this point, and it allowed us to pass the ball about with ease. In the second period of extra time, it was some direct running by the magnificent Robben that proved more effective than the passing. Picking the ball up wide on the left near the half way line, Arjen skipped past one man and proceeded to charge at Titus Bramble.
Quick as you like he ghosted past a centre half who, whilst error prone, is known to be very quick. Despite Bramble's attempts to hold him back, Arjen managed to keep his composure and slot the ball in! Fantastic goal, game set and match!