Arsenal must look to Europe for their final chance of silverware this season after their FA Cup hopes were dashed by Chelsea at Wembley. Theo Walcott fired Arsenal ahead after 18 minutes, just as he had when these sides met in the Carling Cup Final two years ago.

Unfortunately, history continued to repeat itself as Chelsea came from behind to win. Florent Malouda levelled matters just after the half-hour and Didier Drogba, the matchwinner in Cardiff in 2007, scored the decisive goal with 10 minutes left.

The manager sprang a surprise further forward. Andrey Arshavin, whom many expected to start, was among the substitutes as Wenger opted to stiffen his midfield with Denilson and Abou Diaby. Alex Song and Samir Nasri, both starters in midweek, also dropped to the bench.

It was a sickening way to succumb after Arsenal had enjoyed their fair share of the possession and the chances. But they could not carve out another opportunity as Chelsea closed the game out. This hurt, but the season is not over. Man United and Barcelona will beg to differ but Arsenal could yet have their revenge - in the Champions League Final.