FA Cup: Manchester City v Chelsea - in pictures

Ominously for Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini, the club's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is pitchside before kick-off inspecting his team. Given City's disappointing form in the Premier League and Champions League this term, the need for domestic cup success is apparent Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The players go through their paces before the match Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The opening exchanges are conducted at lightning pace. here, Demba Ba and Matija Nastasic vie for the ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Despite City dominating thus far, Vincent Kompany is forced to head the ball off his own goalline as Chelsea create a chance Photograph: Tom Jenkins

This thirsty battle between Gael Clichy and Oscar is indicative of the energy and desire both sides are showing
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Samir Nasri gives Manchester City the lead in the 35th minute when scrambles the ball into the net following a surging run from Yaya Toure Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

It's been coming Photograph: Tom Jenkins

City's fans celebrate by doing the Poznan Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Two minutes into the second half, City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero makes it 2-0 with a header which glides in off the post Photograph: AFP/AFP/Getty Images

City could be heading to the final and Chelsea could be heading for their first FA Cup defeat inside 90 minutes since 2008 Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

But Demba Ba scores a spectacular goal for Chelsea in the 66th minute - acrobatically guiding the ball into the far corner - to reduce the deficit Photograph: Laurence Griffiths - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

David Luiz strikes a free-kick which goes just over the bar
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Nervous times, these, for City's fans Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Fernando Torres has his shirt tugged by Vincent Kompany, but the referee doesn't see it and City escape without conceding a penalty Photograph: Christopher Lee - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Torres and Juan Mata appeal in vain Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

In the 80th minute, Sergio Aguero is guilty of a rash and seemingly intentional collision with David Luiz. Aguero appears to graze his studs down Luiz's backside as he falls to the turf Photograph: Javier Garcia / BPI

That could easily have been a red card. But the referee, Chris Foy, who has had an excellent game until recently, didn't appear to spot Aguero's aggressive motion towards to Luiz
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Despite Chelsea best efforts, City hold on to claim a place in the final against Wigan. Just look how exhausted they are Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Aguero and Nasri share a joke after the final whistle. Wonder if Aguero will still be laughing once the FA have seen a replay of his behaviour?
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A City fan offers his verdict after what has been a thrilling match: 'Mancini to stay', he says Photograph: Tom Jenkins