The enthralling prospect of a replay at Stamford Bridge now awaits as these two passing sides provided moments of cut-and-thrust, interspersed with pretty - if ineffective - football.

Norwich deserved no less from the game despite failing to offer a threat for the entire opening period, and conjured enough chances in an entertaining second half to win the game.

Almost unemployed in the first half, Cudicini produced some superb saves after the break to deny Nigel Worthington's side safe passage and the Canaries must now travel to west London, where Chelsea's excellent home form is equal to that of Norwich's at Carrow Road.

Norwich welcomed the Londoners to Norfolk without leading strikers Iwan Roberts (injured) and David Nielsen (ineligible - on loan), meaning that Marc Libbra and Alex Notman formed their strike force.

Chelsea were without in-form striker Eidur Gudjohnssen as Mikael Forssell partnered Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in attack with Gianfranco Zola adopting an unfamiliar left-midfield role.

Marcel Desailly also returned to the Blues' starting line-up, the Frenchman replacing John Terry after the England Under-21 defender had been charged with affray and assault following an alleged fight in a London nightclub.

Just two chances were created in an dour first half. For all the pretty triangles played by both sides, Chelsea were uninspired and Norwich toothless as the visitors dominated possession to little effect.

Chelsea should have taken the lead after just six minutes, but Hasselbaink curled wide with just Robert Green to beat from 12 yards. Desailly then forced a fine save from Green with a header from Graeme Le Saux's inswinging free-kick.

Norwich struggled to create, particularly after losing talented midfielder Philip Mulryne after just 18 minutes following a collision with Sam dalla Bona. Darel Russell replaced the Welshman, but the Canaries failed to register a meaningful effort on goal in the opening period.

Despite the introduction of Terry after the break - replacing Desailly who was feeling the effects of his first game back in two months after an achilles injury - Norwich suddenly found new attacking verve.

After 52 minutes Paul McVeigh cut and forced an excellent save from Cudicini, before the former Tottenham forward then tested the Italian again as he continued to threaten on the left.

Alex Notman and Darren Kenton were then both denied, while William Gallas also produced a superb covering tackle on Libbra.