Joe strikes for Chelsea as Avram taunts critics on his way to Wembley

Manager Grant not only clinched a Wembley place within four months of succeeding Jose Mourinho but also did it with a team decimated by injury and unavailability.

Cole struck a well-taken 69th-minute goal following an excellent pass from Florent Malouda to secure the second leg victory. It was the perfect response to those who questioned Grant's appointment and he savoured the moment as he reflected on the way Chelsea made light of being without the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Asked if he had answered the doubters, the Israeli said: "Put it this way, I think everyone should respect what we have done at Chelsea over the past month. It has not been easy, with so many key players missing, but we are still in the Champions League, we are only four points off top place in the Barclays Premier League and now we are in the Carling Cup Final.

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"That is fact. No one can argue with that and it is a tremendous credit to the players and squad, especially after so many people said we would not be successful with so many players absent.

"I never imagined we would have so many injuries, on top of those who have gone to the Africa Cup of Nations and when that happens, you have a decision to make. Either you trust your squad, or you go out and bring in six or seven new faces. I had faith in the players already here, and they have repaid it.

"After winning so many games, despite so many problems, we deserve the utmost respect of everyone. We have done it in some style as well and I am delighted. I knew we had a good squad and we showed it."

The normally understated Grant for once let his emotions come to the fore as he punched the air at the final whistle and strode across the pitch to applaud Chelsea fans.

It proved how much securing a showdown with Tottenham meant to him and he was quick to dismiss suggestions that he had played down the importance of the Carling Cup.

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"Sometimes, I think my English does not come across very well," he said. "When I remarked that it was not the major competition we compete for, I was not belittling it. You must ask Arsenal and Manchester United what they think of it, but I can assure you I take it seriously. I want to win every game, even a friendly, and we will go to Wembley with the intention of lifting the trophy.

"No matter what some people thought when I got the job, I just get on with it to the best of my ability and results like this give me great satisfaction."

Petr Cech played his part as he denied Everton with a string of outstanding saves.

"Petr always wanted to play, despite his wife giving birth, and he showed what a great professional he is as well as being one of the world's best keepers," said Grant.

Cole added: "We have come up to Merseyside for some semifinals in recent years and gone away bitterly disappointed, so this is a great feeling."

Dejected Everton boss David Moyes urged his players to learn from going so close but hinted there may have to be further new signings to take his side on to the next level.

"We just need that magic ingredient, that little extra something that can take us into cup finals and help us stay in the top four in the League," he said.