LONDON (Reuters) -- Arsenal will face Southampton in the FA Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium after the two premier league sides overcame first division opposition in Sunday's semi-finals. Arsenal's dream of an unprecedented second consecutive English double remained alive as a first-half goal from midfielder Freddie Ljungberg earned them a 1-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
That was followed by a 2-1 victory for Southampton over Watford at Villa Park, Brett Ormerod and a Paul Robinson own goal giving the south coast team victory over their London opponents, who grabbed a late consolation through Marcus Gayle.
Arsenal, who face Southampton in a premier league match at Highbury 10 days before the final, must now concentrate on their potential title decider against Manchester United on Wednesday with doubts over the fitness of captain Patrick Vieira.
The French midfielder was substituted just before the hour mark after being clattered by Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown, who was booked for the challenge.
By then Arsenal were ahead, Ljungberg firing into the roof of the net from six metres on 34 minutes after Sylvain Wiltord hit the post and had a shot blocked following good work by Francis Jeffers.
United were unfortunate in the build-up as Arsenal defender Sol Campbell fouled forward Wayne Allison, but referee Graham Poll allowed play to continue and then collided with United's Michael Tonge, allowing the Londoners to break forward.
"If the referee doesn't give a free kick it's normal to carry on." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "With regard to the collision with Tonge, what can you reproach there? Do people think the referee did it on purpose?"
0 comments:
Post a Comment