Drogba shoots down Gunners

Chelsea's Didier Drogba was a thorn in Arsenal's side again on Saturday when he struck late to clinch a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

The Ivory Coast striker pounced on Frank Lampard's lofted pass with six minutes remaining to give Chelsea their first FA Cup success over Arsenal since 1947.

They will face the winners of Sunday's semi-final between Manchester United and Everton, which is also at Wembley.

Drogba has now scored eight goals against Arsenal since joining Chelsea from Olympique Marseille, including a late winner in the League Cup final in 2007.

Neither side were at their best following midweek triumphs in the Champions League and Chelsea had to dig deep after Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal ahead in the 18th minute.

Chelsea's equaliser came from the unlikely source of winger Florent Malouda before the break.

Arsenal had the better second-half chances before some hesitation by second-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski let in Drogba who slotted home from a tight angle.

Interim manager Guus Hiddink can now sign off his short reign at Chelsea with an FA Cup final showdown on May 30.

"This is a huge step to be in the FA Cup final because it's so respected worldwide," said Hiddink.

The Dutchman's only other appearance at the new Wembley ended in defeat when his Russia side lost 3-0 to England in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

"I think we deserved it today. We adapted well after they scored and we started to control and dominate. The sloppy start was down to a tactical reason," said Hiddink.

"I'm very proud of these players, they always deliver, they always react to a setback."

Courtesy:

abc.net.au