Arsenal stayed on track to repeat its FA Cup and league double with a 3-1 victory on Tuesday over Chelsea in the FA Cup quarterfinals with goals by Sylvain Wiltord, Bisan Lauren and a John Terry own-goal.
It was the second key game in 48 hours for the Gunners, who defeated Everton 2-1 on Sunday to regain the league lead over Man United. Both victories helped make up for Arsenal's ouster last week from the prestigious Champions League by Spain's Valencia.
With Arsenal up 2-0, Terry made amends and scored in the 79th to make a game of it briefly before Lauren notched the decider in the 82nd. Chelsea had the man advantage from the 66th when Arsenal defender Pascal Cygan was sent off on his second yellow card.
The two sides drew 2-2 at Arsenal's Highbury ground on March 8 in their initial match, which forced the replay at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal captain and midfielder Patrick Vieira was the best player on the field and was involved each time the Gunners threatened.
``Of course we answered the critics,'' he said, speaking of the two clutch victories. ``We're still a big club and we want to win trophies. I think we have shown we can win both competitions.''
Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola said his side had its chances ``but didn't take advantage.''
``When we scored to make it 2-1 it looked like we were coming back,'' he said. ``But when they scored the third one it killed us.''
This was the 13th consecutive game that Chelsea has failed to beat the Gunners.
Arsenal is trying to reach its third straight final and won the title last year 2-0 against the same Chelsea side. Arsenal took the lead in the 24th minute on an own-goal by Terry. Arsenal broke on a 4-on-3 against Chelsea with Gunners' midfielder Vieira crossing the ball from the right side.
1.Watford vs. Southampton
2.Arsenal vs. Sheffield United
Ties to be played at neutral venues on April 13
Source: FA
Trying to defend, Terry kicked the ball it in behind Chelsea 'keeper Carlo Cudicini.
Wiltord made it 2-0 in the 34th and again Vieira made the play.
Vieira broke from midfield and slipped the ball through to Wiltord coming down on the right side with the Frenchman beating Cudicini from 12m.
Terry made a game of it with his header from 6m in the 79th, only to have Lauren score three minutes later on left-footed drive from 15m.
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