Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Omission angers Robben

28 Feb 2007 - 09:37:38

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Chelsea winger Arjen Robben has once again spoken of his unhappiness at being left out of Jose Mourinho's starting plans.

The Dutchman was a substitute for the Carling Cup final success against Arsenal although he came off the bench to set up Didier Drogba's winning goal in the 2-1 victory.

Robben has endured several niggling injuries this term, but cannot understand why he usually has to settle for a place among the substitutes.

When told by Dutch television that there was disappointment in his homeland over his omission from the team to face Arsenal, Robben said: "You can't be as angry as I was.

"I was pleased about the assist I gave for the second goal as it showed what I can do.

"But for me, it's about time I was starting games."

Meanwhile, Jon Obi Mikel has blamed the Gunners for the fracas that marred the closing stages of Sunday's game at the Millennium Stadium.

Mikel and Arsenal duo Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor were dismissed and the Chelsea star will now miss four matches after the Football Association rejected his appeal.

"My red card was very harsh," said the Nigerian youngster. "I didn't touch Toure at all. I kept my hands down completely - he attacked me. I had to defend myself.

"I am really sorry to have let my team-mates and the fans down by getting sent off. But I feel I didn't deserve the red card.

"It's too bad such an ugly thing happened but it has been blown out of all proportion by the Arsenal players."