Guus Hiddink delighted with response

Europe's governing body have yet to rule on the over-reaction of several of the Blues players - notably a foul-mouthed tirade into a live television camera by striker Didier Drogba - following their controversial exit to a late Barcelona away goal on Wednesday night.

Yesterday's win at Arsenal not only ended the Gunners' 21-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League, it also meant Chelsea cannot be caught in third place and so will not have to qualify for next season's elite European club competition.

Such a scenario had not looked so certain when Hiddink was put in temporary charge following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Dutchman said: "This gives me and everyone inside the club great satisfaction, considering the situation we were in in February.

"We spoke during the first days, saying 'You are big men with big experience'. The team reacted perfectly and that is why I am very proud."

Hiddink praised his team's reaction at the end of what had been a tough week, and called on UEFA officials to show compassion.

"Everyone has talked about the incident afterwards, but in the game with Barcelona, there were no incidents, everyone respected each other," he said.

"He [Drogba] saw what he did wrong and apologised strongly.

"We do not know what is going to happen regarding that, but the people in charge at UEFA they have the feeling of being football people and not bureaucratic authorities, then they might perfectly understand that the big apology of his was okay.

"So I do not expect much from that, it would be curious I think."

Hiddink praised Drogba's attitude.

"We said 'Everyone is focused on you, but if you play the simple game you have, you have efficiency for the team', which he did," said Hiddink.

"He did not react to any challenges."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, however, felt Drogba unfairly won the free-kick which led to Chelsea's opening goal and led to Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas being cautioned for dissent at suggesting the Ivory Coast striker had dived.
Asked if he believed Drogba had taken a tumble, Wenger said: "We live in a league now where the divers are rewarded. It is not right, but it is like that.

"I do not want to go into any individual assessments. It is down to the referee to do his job.

"I don't think it should have been given, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't win the header after that. The referee will make some decisions for you or against you, but we should still have cleared the ball from the cross."

Chelsea kept their composure to weather early pressure from the home side before killing the game off with two clinical strikes before half-time from Brazilian defender Alex and former Gunner Nicolas Anelka.

An own goal from Kolo Toure put them three ahead straight after the re-start, with substitute Nicklas Bendtner pulling a goal back before Florent Malouda scored Chelsea's fourth three minutes from time.

"We are all delighted with the performance for several reasons," said Hiddink.

"We started the first 20 mins with a hangover from Wednesday, and Arsenal were able to play their beautiful game, creating chances.

"But the reaction of the team was great and created a beautiful goal from Alex and went on with dominance.

"Overall I can be very proud of the team after what has happened.

"The injustice with not being in the final of the European Cup is felt by everyone in the team, and having this reaction against Arsenal makes me very proud on how the boys reacted, both tactically and mentally."