Drogba's verdict on missed chances and his lucky winner

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was the busiest player on the pitch against Hull City on Saturday, and although he missed a hatful of chances, he did score a brilliant freekick, and admitted his winner in the 92nd minute was supposed to be a cross to Salomon Kalou.

But although he agrees it was lucky, he also feels he had been unlucky all through the second half, and should have scored the winner much earlier!

Here is his verdict, as told to the official Chelsea website: “To be honest it was a cross for Salomon Kalou, but the intention was there and I had so many chances that I think it was a gift,” he said.

“We had a difficult second half because we could have scored a lot of goals but we were unlucky.

“I could have scored two or three goals before the last one, but we won and that’s the most important thing.

“You have to create your own luck, and although I wanted to cross for Salomon, the ball went into the goal, so I was lucky and it is always good to win the first game.’

“They came here last year and created a lot of problems, so we knew it was going to be difficult, especially when they scored, but the spirit we showed today was good.

“I was frustrated because I could have scored before.

“That was a great chance, and when City scored I was upset with myself, but the reaction was good with the freekick.

“With the defensive side of Hull, it was really difficult, but as soon as we scored that goal we pushed more with the strikers and midfielders and the game became easier for us.’

He was then asked if there had been any particular reason why he took the equalizing free-kick rather than Frank Lampard, as they both appeared to be lining up the shot before Didier weighted it perfectly into the corner of the net.

“We have a very good understanding on these things, we always ask and see who feels the freekick better, and this one I really wanted to take and score.

“The most important thing is to score, and whoever takes it, takes it.”

Chelsea had certainly given their fans a heart-stopping start to the season, and they could hardly have left it any later to ensure the three points.

Let’s hope that the players (including Drogba!) are a little more relaxed and focused against Sunderland tomorrow.