London, March 18:

Arsenal’s new-found resilience was underlined on Tuesday as Arsene Wenger’s side staged a late rally to win an ill-tempered clash with Hull and book a Wembley FA Cup semi-final date with Chelsea.

Nick Barmby’s 13th-minute strike had given Hull hope of performing an encore to their September victory at the Emirates in the Premier League. But Robin van Persie and William Gallas both found the net in the final quarter of an hour to send the Gunners through to the last four of the world’s oldest knockout competition, as well as ensuring the club’s first appearance at the new Wembley.

Gallas will not have the chance to lead Arsenal out at the national stadium, having been stripped of the captaincy earlier this season, but the Franchman underlined his value to the club with his headed winner, six minutes from time, albeit one that was overshadowed by suspicion of offside.