For a player who performs consistently at the highest level for Chelsea year in, year out, Frank Lampard mysteriously appears to have a constant battle to earn the respect of the nation. At Stamford Bridge he is regarded as a hero and his man-of-the- match performance to help Chelsea beat Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final proved why.

Yet outside the confines of SW6, the 30-year-old seems to be loathed rather than admired. Over the past few years he has had to put up with chants from fans of opposing clubs about a so-called weight problem and, just as ridiculous, was his treatment by England supporters following the team's failure at the last World Cup.

One would think his fellow professionals would have a high appreciation for his talents considering they struggle to contain him on a weekly basis, but he did not receive enough votes to make the six-man shortlist for PFA Player of the Year.

Considering the midfielder is on course to break the 20-goal barrier for the fourth straight season and, by his own admission, playing the best football of his career, it is an amazing oversight. However, his dominance of Arsenal's midfield at Wembley has moved him a step closer to having the last laugh.

Only Everton now stand in Chelsea's way of winning the FA Cup, while they are in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fifth time in six years.

For the man himself, winners' medals mean far more than individual recognition and he is determined to lift the trophies that truly matter.

He said: "The players pick early in the season which may affect things, but I'd happily give away any PFA nomination for a bit of silverware in terms of Champions League or FA Cup.

"Not being on the PFA shortlist didn't hurt. A lot of people have said to me they are surprised but I think players pick with the right idea, I don't think they vote for political reasons.

"As long as I am playing well and pleasing my manager, team-mates and fans I'm not worried - it is my best season. It's been quite tough for the team, we have had our ups and downs but I am pleased with the way I'm playing.

"I hope my 30s will bring my best years. I am more experienced, more aware of how to play the game and how to manage myself between matches."

The arrival of Guus Hiddink (left) to Chelsea as manager in February has made a massive impact on Lampard and the team's fortunes.

If Chelsea go on to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time in their history or win the FA Cup, he would deserve to be a candidate for manager of the season, even if it was for only three months' work. The Dutchman has overseen a remarkable transformation in Chelsea's play and belief in an incredibly short amount of time. The FA Cup semi-final was a key example of the difference he has made.

In November, the same players, under Luiz Felipe Scolari, lost at home to Arsenal with a whimper. Chelsea conceded twice in the space of three minutes to let a one-goal lead slip and failed to threaten the visitors' goal in the half-hour of play that remained.

Such lack of fight was foreign to the Chelsea following spoiled by the success of the Jose Mourinho era.

They may have feared a repeat when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead in the 18th minute at Wembley but Chelsea simply stepped up their game and in truth, their victory seemed inevitable once Florent Malouda equalised 13 minutes later.

The manner in which Didier Drogba shrugged off Mikael Silvestre's challenge to race clear to score the winner six minutes from time demonstrated where the power of the capital's football appears to lie.

Captain John Terry said: "Looking up on the clock when Didier scored, I was thinking even if it did go to extra-time we were looking a lot fitter than them. I think the manager's training is key.

"When we're training he's on top of everyone. He's not letting anyone get away with anything, he wants everyone to work and fight for each other. That's been the key because in games we've been working and fighting for each other, right until the death."

While Chelsea's win will hand them a boost in their pursuit of the Champions League and the Premier League, Arsenal's defeat has delivered them a reality check.

Excitement was brewing at Emirates Stadium based on an unbeaten run in domestic competition stretching back nearly five months.

That League win over Chelsea began their momentum but it was also the last noteworthy team they have mastered. There have been draws against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Everton since then, but most of their victories have come against teams they should beat with the quality at their disposal.

There are more big tests to come starting with Liverpool at Anfield in the League tomorrow followed by their massive Champions League semi-final against Manchester United. Defeat in the latter will ensure a fourth straight season without a trophy.

Much has been written about the quality of the youngsters in Arsenal's squad but Saturday showed that they are still far from the finished article.

Manager Arsene Wenger conceded his team struggled to match Chelsea and said: "They are physically strong and they are mature. They know where to stand on the pitch and you feel that if one team will take advantage of a mistake made it will be them because they have big experience in their side.

"But I believe we are growing well."