Relentless Arsenal stride on

Arsenal FC's pursuit of a second successive double remains on course after the Premiership leaders defeated Chelsea FC 3-1 in their FA Cup quarter-final replay at Stamford Bridge.

Excellent run
Arsène Wenger's side played with verve from the start and were two goals to the good at half-time after John Terry put through his own net and Sylvain Wiltord finished cleverly from a Patrick Vieira pass. Chelsea received fresh impetus when Pascal Cygan was sent off on 67 minutes and they reduced arrears with eleven minutes left through Terry's stooping header. Lauren had the final say, though, drilling in a low effort following an excellent solo run in the 82nd minute.

Beautiful finish
Following their elimination by Valencia FC from the UEFA Champions League last week, Arsenal looked determined not to suffer a second cup exit against their London rivals. They took the lead in the 24th minute when Terry inadvertently clipped a Vieira cross into his own net. Ten minutes later the Gunners were 2-0 up when Wiltord slotted in beautifully after Vieira had ran fully 50 metres with the ball.

Wild celebrations
Having not relinquished a two-goal lead in four-and-a-half years, Arsenal were always going to be in control of the game after the interval. Even the dismissal of Cygan, for a second yellow card after bringing down Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Terry's goal at the right end failed to dent their confidence, as right wing-back Lauren cut inside and beat Carlo Cudicini low to his left to spark wild celebrations among the Arsenal players.

Semi-final dates
The holders Arsenal will now meet Sheffield United FC in the first semi-final at Old Trafford, Manchester. The other game will take place later on the 13 April when Watford FC tackle Southampton FC at Villa Park in Birmingham. The final will be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in May.