Claudio Ranieri may, in his words, be a 'dead man walking' but he could still be striding all the way to the Champions League final.

For Chelsea continued where Manchester United started off in the FA Cup semi-finals to complete a remarkable win at Highbury to seal their place in the Champions League last four against Monaco.

From a possible treble to at most a single in just four days, Arsenal's cloak of invincibility has been cut down to size with astonishing speed.

Having gained the vital away goal at Stamford Bridge, they even seized the lead in this second leg tie on the stroke of half-time through Jose Reyes.

However, while the Spaniard's powers of recovery in making it back from a supposed three-week lay-off were considerable, Chelsea's were even more potent.

Frank Lampard dragged his side back into contention just six minutes after the break and then, amid a thrilling finale, the most unlikely of saviours emerged.

With just five minutes left, Wayne Bridge powered his way into the penalty box and, set up by the indefatigable Eidur Gudjohnsen, he buried his shot past Jens Lehmann.

Highbury could hardly believe it. Their season has unfolded in front of their very eyes and now, with this momentum behind them, who would bet against Chelsea catching the Gunners in the Barclaycard Premiership as well?

That outcome looked almost impossible just a week ago, when Arsenal were riding the crest of a wave but they have since suffered a spectacular fall.

On this occasion, they were beaten by an incredible display of guts and gusto from a Chelsea side who stand resolutely behind their under-fire coach.

In a game of the highest calibre played at breakneck speed and with a script straight from Hollywood, Ranieri answered his critics - and how.

The "Tinkerman' had even resisted the temptation to alter his line-up for only the third time this season.

United had, meanwhile, shown how to overcome Arsenal - tackle and harry them out of their stride - and Chelsea flung themselves into the same approach with some class.

Rather than the all-out assaults normally mounted at Highbury by the home side, however, this was all thrust and counter-thrust.

Thrilling so, as well. For each time that Arsenal pressed, Chelsea responded.

Bridge sent Damien Duff searing down the left flank and having cut inside Sol Campbell, it was only Edu's last-gasp challenge that distracted him at the vital moment.

Arsenal concentrated on their strength - namely pressing down the left flank - with ball after ball being fired at Robert Pires and the overlapping Ashley Cole.

On one occasion, Cole duly picked out Pires with a cross but, whereas the Frenchman had scored with his head in the first leg, this time he struck the side-netting.

When the breakthrough finally came on the stroke of half-time, the real surprise was not that the Chelsea defence, which had been superb up to that point, was finally breached, but that the danger came from Arsenal's right flank.

Lauren's deep cross was headed invitingly back across goal by Henry and while Freddie Ljungberg just failed to make contact, Reyes' timing was impeccable as he arrived on cue to bundle the ball home.

Ranieri's response had to be positive and he introduced Jesper Gronkjaer for the combative Scott Parker at the break, while urging his side forward.

Just six minutes later, he was rewarded as Arsenal managed to hold onto their lead only as long as Chelsea in the first leg.

Just like that game, Lehmann was again at fault, with the Arsenal 'keeper failing to hold onto Claude Makelele's fierce drive and Lampard rammed home the rebound.

With the away goal, the pendulum had swung back towards Chelsea.

Henry's drive just past the post was matched by Lampard's as the relentless pace continued. No quarter was asked and none, by any means, was given.

Arsenal remained committed to attack, only for Marco Ambrosio to rise to the occasion with superb saves from both Reyes and Kolo Toure.

Both sides needed some fresh legs but, amazingly, it was Henry - presumably injured - who departed as Dennis Bergkamp came on for Arsenal, while Hernan Crespo and Joe Cole also entered the fray.

The Chelsea midfielder almost made an immediate impact, crossing for Gudjohnsen to sweep his shot towards goal, only for Ashley Cole to produce a goal-line clearance at full stretch.

Chelsea, however, were undaunted as the finale approached. Gudjohnsen was the instigator this time, playing the ball into the path of Bridge as the full-back charged towards goal.

Having already scored this season in Gelsenkirchen, the venue for the final, against Besiktas, he had put Chelsea just one step away from a return.

And given the treatment he has had to endure, who would begrudge Ranieri his chance for glory?

Teams:

Arsenal Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Toure, Cole, Ljungberg, Edu, Vieira, Pires, Henry (Bergkamp 81), Reyes.

Subs Not Used: Stack, Keown, Wiltord, Silva, Clichy, Kanu.

Booked: Lauren.

Goals: Reyes 45.

Chelsea Ambrosio, Melchiot, Terry, Gallas, Bridge, Parker (Gronkjaer 46), Lampard, Makelele, Duff (Cole 82), Gudjohnsen, Hasselbaink (Crespo 82).

Subs Not Used: Sullivan, Mutu, Geremi, Huth.

Booked: Gallas, Hasselbaink, Cole.

Goals: Lampard 51, Bridge 87.

Att: 35,486

Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).