CHELSEA'S Carling Cup victory over Arsenal cost British bookies well over a million pounds yesterday (Sunday) following a concerted gamble on the West London side.

The nation's layers were rubbing their hands with glee when Theo Walcott fired the Gunners ahead with his first strike for the club.

But a brilliant brace from Didier Drogba rewarded fans who had put their faith in Jose Mourinho's side and backed them in from 6/5, through 11/10 to even money.

Over £3 million is thought to have been wagered on the game across the whole industry with punters pocketing up to half of that in winnings.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "The result of the match alone cost us £250,000 and the industry five times that. If you factor in the betting on the competition from the start we'll be looking at £1.5 million.

"The twists and turns in the match and the sendings off at the end were worthy of an Oscar winning movie. It's just a shame it was a horror film for us."

The Magic Sign layed dozens of four figure bets on the Stamford Bridge outfit including ones of £9,000, £7,500 and £5,000 at 11/10 and another for £5,000 at 6/5.

Chelsea are now 7/2 to retain the trophy which had until now eluded Mourinho since he joined the club.