Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2

ARSENE Wenger described Didier Drogba as ‘‘a killer.’’ Guus Hiddink thinks he ‘‘terrifies’’ defenders.

It seems Drogba is back in the mood to lead Chelsea towards glory again.

There have been times, after his dismissal in last season’s Champions League final and again this term as he struggled to adapt to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s methods, that Drogba looked destined to leave Stamford Bridge.

The arrival of Hiddink has changed all that.

Roman Abramovich’s main reason for persuading the Russian Federation to let Hiddink join the Blues on a short-term contract was to salvage a season that appeared to be on the brink of meltdown.

The move has been a startling success, with Drogba the chief beneficiary.

It was the Ivorian’s late goal against Arsenal that cemented a place in next month’s FA Cup final, with Drogba now set to be rewarded with a new contract rather than his exit cards this summer.

‘‘I would agree he has the killer’s mentality,’’ said Hiddink.

‘‘He seems to terrify defenders.

“If you have to play against him it hurts.

‘‘He is very strong and brave because he doesn’t know what is happening behind his back.

‘‘We don’t demand one goal every game but when he is playing the way he is, others also score.’’ Hiddink has a similar ethos to Fabio Capello.

Neither man is particularly comfortable talking about individuals and more than one question relating to the same man raises a quizzical look and a stated desire to move onto yet another subject.

Yet there can be no doubting Drogba’s present value is much nearer the £24million Chelsea paid to sign him from Marseille rather than the £100,000 Gunners boss Wenger could have bought him for from French outfit Le Mans in 1998.

‘‘I saw him at the World Cup in 2006,’’ added Hiddink, who was then coach of Australia.

‘‘He was very strong, even though the Ivory Coast did not go through.

“You could see what the potential was, you just have to deliver and he is delivering perfectly.

‘‘He is also talking in the dressing room and giving an example to others.’’ Hiddink made it clear any advice that was to be given over a new contract for the Blues striker will be done by the Chelsea hierarchy in the privacy of Stamford Bridge rather than in front of a gaggle of journalists in a quiet corner of Wembley Stadium.

And it is presumably the same situation when it comes to his stay at Chelsea.

With a return for Jose Mourinho a non-starter and Carlo Ancelotti restating his desire to remain with AC Milan, it is hard to see beyond Hiddink as the man to take charge next season.

Hiddink insists it will not happen and Abramovich knows he must tread very carefully indeed just to even try.

‘‘On May 31 it is over,’’ said Hiddink.

‘‘I am not saying goodbye because I will come back to watch.

“But I want that to be in a friendly atmosphere.

‘‘With all my heart I have committed myself to the Russian team.’’