Poland international Lukasz Fabianski had a 24th birthday to forget as his error gifted Chelsea victory in the first semi-final.

Theo Walcott put the Gunners ahead on 18 minutes, when his volley took a deflection off Ashley Cole and beat Petr Cech.

Chelsea fought back and levelled on 33 minutes through Florent Malouda who cut inside Emmanuel Eboue and beat Fabianski at his near post, although it was hard to quibble with the Frenchman's accuracy.

BETTER TEAM

Anelka hit a post after robbing Abou Diaby inside the Arsenal box just before half-time and Chelsea continued to look the more likely scorers after the break, even though their opponents were, in patches, the better team

The Blues sealed a return to Wembley when Didier Drogba latched on to a long ball from Frank Lampard. He brushed off Mikael Silvestre, rounded the on-rushing Fabianski, and slotted into a empty net on 84 minutes.

That earned Guus Hiddink's side a place in the 30th May final against either Manchester United or Everton who meet at Wembley on Sunday.