Sanchez puts Gunners into all-London final

ALEXIS SANCHEZ struck an extratime winner as Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Sergio Aguero had put City ahead with a fine breakaway goal just after the hour having had another strike controversially ruled out – but Nacho Monreal equalised on 71 minutes.

City twice hit the woodwork in the latter stages of normal time through Yaya Toure and Fernandinho but Sanchez, recently linked with City, pounced for a 101st-minute winner after a goalmouth scramble.

After a fairly harrowing few weeks, Arsene Wenger’s side finally rose to the occasion.

It was not pretty and certainly not vintage Arsenal but they showed other qualities that have been so lacking since the turn of the year.

Grit, determination, defensive solidity, game management - these were all on show at Wembley, where City for the best part of an hour were the dominant force but were thwarted by a resilient Gunners rearguard and then undone twice by Monreal and Sanchez.

Arsenal have endured a torrid season in so many respects but they, and Wenger, could still finish with another trophy to add to their cabinet.

The previous day Nemanja Matic’s thunderbolt sent Chelsea into the cup final in style, condemning Tottenham to yet more Wembley woe and giving Mauricio Pochettino’s men a bloody nose ahead of the title run-in.

England’s best sides took a break from their increasingly exciting duel for the Premier League crown, instead renewing hostilities in a Wembley battle that lived up to the hype.

Tottenham twice clawed their way back in this thrilling semi-final, only for Antonio Conte’s table-toppers to run out 4-2 victors as Matic’s remarkable drive complemented gamechanging substitute Eden Hazard’s strike.

Whatever the pre-match posturing, ending Spurs’ eight-match winning run in all competitions will give the Blues a psychological boost with six league games remaining.

Chelsea, four points clear of Tottenham in the table, were ahead inside five minutes as Willian’s freekick flew home, scoring again from the spot after Harry Kane’s flicked header had drawn Pochettino’s side level.

Spurs showed impressive attitude and aptitude as Dele Alli converted Christen Eriksen’s outstanding cross, but they would fall to a record seventh straight FA Cup semi-final defeat.

Hazard, surprisingly left out of the starting line-up, set the Blues on course for the final with a low drive followed up in style as Matic’s rifled effort flew in off the underside of the bar.