Tottenham Beat Chelsea to Win League Cup

Tottenham Hotspur lifted their first trophy in nine years after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the Carling Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Jonathan Woodgate headed the winner four minutes into the first period of extra time to give Spanish manager Juande Ramos a trophy just a few months into his maiden season at the north London club.

The trophy, first since 1999 League Cup, also secured a spot in Europe's UEFA Cup next season, which would have been unlikely for Tottenham via its 11th place in the 20-team Premier League standings.

"This is a beautiful experience," said Ramos, who replaced Martin Jol early this season.

"It's tremendously satisfying to get the title and the trophy for the fans and the club. It's a long time since we achieved success and for such a big club like Spurs it seems even longer."

Ramos took the helm at Tottenham in October with the club struggling near the bottom of the Premier League. He has since lost only five of his 28 games in charge, winning 15 times.

Didier Drogba curled home a 20-yard free-kick six minutes before the interval to break the deadlock for Chelsea, winners of both domestic cups last season under former boss Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea were leading until 20 minutes from time when Dimitar Berbatov coolly rolled in the penalty awarded after Wayne Bridge handled the ball under pressure from substitute Tom Huddlestone.

Suddenly Spurs were in the ascendancy but the efforts by Berbatov and Didier Zokora were made in vain as Petr Cech's good saves forced an extra time.

Spurs only had to wait four more minutes to take a lead they would not relinquish, with a bit of luck though.

It seemed as Cech punched a Jermaine Jenas free-kick right on to Woodgate's head and the rebound trickled into an empty net.

"The penalty put them back in the game and that turned the match, " said Chelsea's manager Avram Grant.

"The second goal was from a set piece so we are disappointed."

The defeat ended Chelsea's quadruple hopes in Grant's first season as Blues boss, though they are still in the hunt for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.