London Blues gun down Arsenal’s European dream

Underfire Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri secured his place in the club’s hall of fame last night after dramatically steering the club to its first European Champions league semi-final.

In a thrilling end-to-end encounter, Chelsea came from behind to beat their London arch-rivals Arsenal in a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over the Premiership leaders at Highbury.

The victory was never guaranteed as Chelsea were unable to breakdown a stubborn Arsenal defence throughout the first half. The highlight of the half for the Blues came when the tireless Damien Duff set off on another mazy run and unleashed a spectacular strike that missed by mere inches.

Throughout the period Arsenal were the better team, and the Chelsea defence had to be on form to cope with the pace and guile of the Gunner's attack. However, Jose Antonio Reyes' strike from close range put the home side ahead just on the stroke of half-time.

The introduction of Jesper Gronkjaer, on for Scott Parker after the break, gave Ranieri's men renewed vigour and it was his pace on the right flank that constantly asked questions of the Arsenal defence.

Then only six minutes into the half an error by the erratic Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann gifted an opportunity to England midfielder Frank Lampard, who wasted no time in slotting home the equaliser.

Chelsea continued to apply the pressure on a disintegrating Arsenal side and despite the appearance of Joe Cole and Hernan Crespo, the Blues were unable to capitalise on their superiority until a textbook one-two with Eidur Gudjohnsen sent Wayne Bridge into the Arsenal area to end the game with a strike three minutes from time.

The goal laid to rest a 17-match hoodoo for Chelsea, who haven't beaten the Gunners since 1999. The Super Blues now find themselves favourites to beat Monaco and progress to the Champion’s League Final.

Arsenal were left rueing several wasted first-half chances - and the end of the dream of a silverware-laden season.

(GB)