Fa Cup Final

[Dublin12]

What's your predictions :confused:
I reckon Arsenal have hit top form and Man United are in a bit of a slump at the moment,can see a rout on the cards maybe 3 or 4 nil,I hope :D

[Eire06]

Not a hope Arsenal played against a pathetic Everton team last night anyone would have beat them while they were in that form..
It'll be a close match but I'd say 2-1 to United :D

[Hibs4Ever]

3-0 Arsenal

[aberharp]

1-0 man utd :D

[NeilMcD]

Well Ferguson seems to have it over Wenger in recent games as he has got his tactics perfect. Last season in the semi final they really frustrated Arsenal. Its a tough one to call but it will be close an neither side will win 3 or 4 nil.

[tonycuna]

I hope we'll can win, just this.. :o United made good things against us in recent matches, and that 2-4 at Highbury this year is calling for revenge.. :mad: So let's go to Cardiff and beat Fergie'sXI.. It will be a good season with FA Cup in our hands! ;)

C'mon Gooners!

[Eire06]

Just get Keane to scare Viera again and theyre sorted :D

[Karlos]

hopefully Roy scares Vieira enough that he goes and scores the first goal AGAIN after 6 minutes. Paddy must have been frightened into scoring, that's a first! :rolleyes:

[thecorner]

if the game goes ahead...united fans dont seem one bit happy about the take-over and could have something planned

[NeilMcD]

Roy Keane is relishing what he thinks could be an "explosive" FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

The United skipper admits hype surrounding cup finals often precedes an anti-climatic encounter, but is hoping for one the FA Cups great finals on Saturday.

"I know sometimes FA Cup finals can be a bit of an anti-climax," Keane said. "But I think this game will be pretty explosive.

"I like to think we get up for every game but, ever since I’ve been at the club, it's always been between ourselves and Arsenal. There is that bit of rivalry between us because we have been so close over the last few years. That will hopefully make it a great final."

The feisty history between United and Arsenal is founded on competing for silverware, but the rivalry has become somewhat embittered in recent seasons by spats in the tunnel and the usual 'war of words' from both camps - all whipped up to feverish levels by the tabloids.

Indeed, the thrilling encounter in February, which saw United beat the Gunners 4-2 at Highbury, was preceded by a confrontation between Keane and Patrick Vieira in the players' tunnel. That incident seemed to set the tone for a defiant United display and notched a third victory over Arsene Wenger's side this season.

Duel With Vieira
To make it four, Keane will resume his ongoing rivalry with Arsenal captain Vieira, one the Irishman enjoys but insists will stay on the pitch. Even the mention of the Arsenal midfielder brought a wry smile from Keane.

"I think this game will be pretty explosive. There's a rivalry between that will hopefully make it a great final."
Roy Keane

"I enjoy playing against any top player, and he [Vieira] is one of the top players," he said. "If people see that as an important battle then maybe it is. But I think everyone has a battle in positions all over the pitch. It’s 11 v 11, not one v one.

"The referee will need to be tough and hopefully the players won't get carried away. It's going to be a hard game, physically it will be tough. But I’m sure the referee will handle anything that might get out of control."

Keane will not be counting on United’s dominance over Arsenal this season as any indicator for the outcome of Saturday’s game. Asked if the 4-2 win at Highbury gives United the psychological edge, Roy said: "Only time will tell. We played very well that night. But we have to give Arsenal the respect that they deserve."

And just as the three wins over Arsenal carries little influence, the final is a chance for Ferguson's side to shed the nagging burden of a lack of goals that has plagued the Reds' campaign.

"We've been disappointed with our form this season," Keane says. "We’ve been inconsistent and we haven't scored enough goals. But all that goes out of the window on Saturday. It’s a one-off Cup final and we can’t wait for it."

Takeover 'Not Even Mentioned'
A poor season has been compounded by the distraction of Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson pleading for calm and unity among United’s supporters at Cardiff. United's players have remained silent on the issue throughout.

It was with little surprise, then, that Keane played with a straight bat questions of whether it had affected the team's preparations. The skipper even claimed the subject had "not been mentioned" in the dressing room.

"I enjoy playing against any top player, and Vieira is a top player. But everyone has there own battle. It's 11 v 11, not one v one."
Roy Keane

"We’re very much focused on the game," he added. "That's what we are paid to do as professional footballers. We have to focus on the game and on training each day before the final.

"You can see that focus in training. We're all looking forward to it and it can’t come quick enough for us. We're all desperate to get our hands on some silverware this season and this is our only chance."

The Reds skipper was unequivocal on the subject of United’s fans travelling to Cardiff. "Every time we play I expect United fans to get behind you," he said. "The supporters here are fantastic. They are one of the reasons why I signed for the club. I'm sure they will show that in Cardiff, just like they do every week."

Fifth Medal Record
This will be Keane's seventh FA Cup final. Typically, he can recall the lost finals more readily than the successful trips to Wembley and Cardiff.

Keane was part of the Nottingham Forest side that lost to Tottenham in 1991, and was again on the losing side in his only unsuccessful final visit with United - the 1995 defeat to Everton.

"The strange thing is, I seem to remember the two I've lost more than the others," he said. "Hopefully I won't be remembering Saturday too much."

Keane and Ryan Giggs could become the first players in 114 years to collect five FA Cup winners' medals. The last player to achieve that feat came in 1891, when Jimmy Forrest helped Blackburn beat Notts County 3-1. Forrest equalled the record previously set by Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers and Old Etonians) and Charles Wollaston (Wanderers).

However, Keane will put personal achievements aside on Saturday, insisting the common cause is for the club to lay claim to a trophy this season.

"I'm not thinking about how many medals I have won," he said. "Hopefully we will win the FA Cup, and that’s what it’s about – the club winning a trophy. That's what we are focused on."

Report

[Macy]

I honestly don't care. More excited about the prospect of FC United.

[Karlos]

I care very much about the result. I think it's a good game for the neutral but not for me. The joy of winning is far outweighed by the prospect of losing. I've too many Man Utd friends who'll give me stick for the whole summer and while it won't be a disaster for the club, it'll be a mini one for me! In one way that's the best thing about being a football fan, those feelings and emotions you go through before,during and after a game you cannot influence!

I'll let you know 5.30ish on Saturday if it has been a good day. :)

[KR's Post]

C'mon you Reds!!! 2-0 to United.... Van Nistelrooy to open the scoring from a Ronaldo cross and Scholsey to settle it in the Second Half. Without Henry, Arsenal will flop. Roll on the Match, the early morning drinking and Most of all the CELEBRATIONS!!!

[Closed Account 2]

Glazer's programme notes:-

"Yo soccer nutz !

The World Series of Soccer reaches it climax in the all-star game this weekend in Cardiff, UK. Team Manchester line up against eastcoast rivals team Arsenal for the FA Play-off final. Tensions will be supercharged for this clash of the heavyweights, and Arsenal-London will be out for revenge having had two reversals at the hands of Manchester already, being shut out two-oh and four-two.

Expect Manchester to put pressure on the Arsenal endzone, and Rodney Van Nisteldorf could get a touchdown from short yardage. Weighing in at two-seven-five pounds Manchester's freshman turned MVP Dwane Rooney could be a contender for a triple score (our "hat-trick" as its known UK-side), with his strikes from behind the 30 yard line.

Manchester have a weakness in their goaltender selection, with no one knowing which goal tender will make the team. Rookie Tim "America's Own" Howard has a .561 save average in last four, but faces competition from Rory "Catcher" Carrol who will be gunning for his fourth consecutive finals shutout. Carrols two handling errors means Howard will likely start 1st quarter. The final Manchester player to watch out for is Chris "Machine Gun" Ronaldo, line-backer for the Reds. The rookie is hot shot of the season, with a double dribble turnover ratio of 7 to 1, and makes plays from the end line into center field. If the game isnt going Manchester's way expect head coach Ferguson to call a timeout and bring the goaltender upfield as he did in the last game versus Mid Boro.

Arsenal-London have multiple negative issues, with team super star and goal getter Thierry "tee-man" En-ray suffering triple leg wounds in Arsenal-London's 7-0 goal blitz on Everton-Marines. Key defense-point-guard Ashley "Hitman" Cole has enraged fans by requesting a draft to cross-town rivals Chelsea-London, the current semester conference champions. Arsenal-Londons dutchman Dennis "Veteran" Bergerking will have to travel to the game early Friday, on Interstate 4 via Wales Turnpike due to the dutchman's No-fly-Zone. Expect Arsenal-London coach, Arsenal Wenger to call a time out in 3rd quarter. He will switch the dutchman for tight-end and field goal specialist John "power-play" Reyes, and bring Cesar Franchescas on as middleman (quaterback) and attack Manchester via excess groundspeed.

Also keep a lookout for roughing, foul calls, and red sinbins betwen Patrick "the Hatrick" Vieria and Roy "Lethal Enforcer" Keane over Manchester defense-zone-marshall Gary "Hustler-Rustler" Neville"


:D :D :D

[Stevo Da Gull]

C'mon you Reds!!! 2-0 to United.... Van Nistelrooy to open the scoring from a Ronaldo cross and Scholsey to settle it in the Second Half. Without Henry, Arsenal will flop. Roll on the Match, the early morning drinking and Most of all the CELEBRATIONS!!!

Go away you. I wont make any predictions, I'll save my talk till after ;)

[Karlos]

Arsenal were dreadful

Utd were dominant

However, Performances don't win cups! :eek:

Patrick Vieira Penalties Do!!!! :D :D :D :D

[De Town]

Arsenal were dreadful

Utd were dominant

However, Performances don't win cups! :eek:

Patrick Vieira Penalties Do!!!! :D
Im sick :mad:

I wouldnt mind if Arsenal deserved to win but they could hardly string 2 passes together.

Story of Uniteds season though, not taking their chances :(

[hamish]

[QUOTE=cfdh_edmundo]Glazer's programme notes:-

"Yo soccer nutz !

The World Series of Soccer reaches it climax in the all-star game this weekend in Cardiff, UK. Team Manchester line up against eastcoast rivals team Arsenal for the FA Play-off final. Tensions will be supercharged for this clash of the heavyweights, and Arsenal-London will be out for revenge having had two reversals at the hands of Manchester already, being shut out two-oh and four-two.

Expect Manchester to put pressure on the Arsenal endzone, and Rodney Van Nisteldorf could get a touchdown from short yardage. Weighing in at two-seven-five pounds Manchester's freshman turned MVP Dwane Rooney could be a contender for a triple score (our "hat-trick" as its known UK-side), with his strikes from behind the 30 yard line.

Manchester have a weakness in their goaltender selection, with no one knowing which goal tender will make the team. Rookie Tim "America's Own" Howard has a .561 save average in last four, but faces competition from Rory "Catcher" Carrol who will be gunning for his fourth consecutive finals shutout. Carrols two handling errors means Howard will likely start 1st quarter. The final Manchester player to watch out for is Chris "Machine Gun" Ronaldo, line-backer for the Reds. The rookie is hot shot of the season, with a double dribble turnover ratio of 7 to 1, and makes plays from the end line into center field. If the game isnt going Manchester's way expect head coach Ferguson to call a timeout and bring the goaltender upfield as he did in the last game versus Mid Boro.

Arsenal-London have multiple negative issues, with team super star and goal getter Thierry "tee-man" En-ray suffering triple leg wounds in Arsenal-London's 7-0 goal blitz on Everton-Marines. Key defense-point-guard Ashley "Hitman" Cole has enraged fans by requesting a draft to cross-town rivals Chelsea-London, the current semester conference champions. Arsenal-Londons dutchman Dennis "Veteran" Bergerking will have to travel to the game early Friday, on Interstate 4 via Wales Turnpike due to the dutchman's No-fly-Zone. Expect Arsenal-London coach, Arsenal Wenger to call a time out in 3rd quarter. He will switch the dutchman for tight-end and field goal specialist John "power-play" Reyes, and bring Cesar Franchescas on as middleman (quaterback) and attack Manchester via excess groundspeed.

Also keep a lookout for roughing, foul calls, and red sinbins betwen Patrick "the Hatrick" Vieria and Roy "Lethal Enforcer" Keane over Manchester defense-zone-marshall Gary "Hustler-Rustler" Neville"





Edmundo - class. :D :D :D

[aberharp]

. fcuk it anyway :mad:

[tonycuna]

What a dramatic match!!

120 mins in front of tv, standing on two feet, with tons of fear...

But when Patrick scored the final penalty, i jumped around the room of my friend's home to put out all that fear! Incredible!! Absolutely incredible!!

We didn't deserve the win, but we kept our nerves strenght till the end, and penalties are always a story apart from the match..

Lehmann had his best match in the right day, and that save on Scholes was wonderful.. the shoot wasn't easy, and was very powerful!

I'm very very happy for our win!

Senderos and Lehmann, our best players today
Rooney and Ronaldo for them

Good Old Arsenal!! What a dramatic feelings you gave to me, today :p

[sylvo]

NOT!

Hate to say it but the Trafford Bavarians deserved it Big time :o :o :o

Daylight Robbery of the Highest order...... :p :D


What was it like around your way last night. Pretty quite round my way fairly surprised.

[Macy]

In scheme of things, don't care that much.

However, a word of thanks must be on it's way from Highbury to Styles - complete bottler when it came to second bookings and penalty's. Although I'm not sure what was worse - his performance, or the way the media thought he'd done well by basically not making the hard decisions :rolleyes:

[Karlos]

Great to see this from the 'we know how to lose' camp - briiliant!!! And here was me thinking the only 'bottler' in Cardiff was Patrick Vieira!!!

Indeed the referrees performance was just as inept as Mike Riley's in Old Trafford when he failed to send off Rio Ferdinand for his foul on Ljungberg as the last man, or his failure to book either of Nevilles for early challenges which would have meant both being sent off, not to mention Rooney's theatrics for the penalty. There was no problem from Man Utd fans with the referree's performance that day :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

What goes around, comes around and then some!! :D

50 games unbeaten or winning a trophy?? No contest! :D

[NeilMcD]

One of the most one sided matches I have seen in a long time between two top teams. Its been the story all season for Man Utd, not been able to finish off poor teams and again it was the case on Saturday. Also I thought this before the game, why did it have to go to penalities. I think the FA Cup final replay should have been kept. I think it would have been the best for both sides. Arsenal could have had a chance to put in a better performance and Utd would have had a chance to maybe finish in the next game. I can understand no penalties after a replay but there is not reason for penalties on the day of the final.

[Macy]

I've no major problem with the result - ref wouldn't have mattered if United had finished it off with all the pressure they had. Doesn't make him a good ref - I mean how many chances did Reyes get before finally being sent when it didn't matter?

Gotta say, the no replays sneaked under my radar too - but probably brought in as a sop to the big clubs to reduce the number of games (when they really want an end to some of the pointless international friendlies).

[Karlos]

I can understand no penalties after a replay but there is not reason for penalties on the day of the final.


Where would it end???

Why stop at the FA Cup final - we could have World Cup Final Replays, European Championship Replays, Carling Cup Replays, Play-off final Replays, Champions League final Replays etc etc

The clubs already give out about the amount of games played in a season and I don't think any club including United would be in favour of bringing back replays for this or any of the other competition finals.

Penalties is often a very cruel way to end a game but it is fair. Both teams have the same chance to win just like they do when the game kicks off. Penalty taking is a skill and one professional footballers should be able to master. It's painful for the supporters and players to lose that way but they have 120 minutes before that to not have to go through that pain.

In United's case, they can blame nobody but themselves for not taking their chances (although their fans will blame everyone else as already witnessed!)

Cup finals are all about winning - i've been on the other side of the fence when Arsenal should have comfortably beaten a 10 man Galatasary in the Uefa Cup Final, it's not a nice feeling to lose on penalties but you look at why you had to go to penalties in the first place and say 'we fu*ked up, we gave them a chance'

For me it was a fitting way to avenge the memories of last october, call it good karma. :D

[NeilMcD]

Well the FA Cup final only changed to penalties quite recently whereas the World CUp and the Champions league etc have had penalties for a long time. Therefore I am questioning the need for that change to penalties. I thought replays were a good thing. I dont support Utd and I would have been of this view regardless of who won the game but, I suppose it makes it harder to watch when one team dominates so much.

In relation to the World Cup or Champions league. Usually these are held in a neutral country. As a result it would be hard to organise a replay and expect fans to hang around abroad for an extra few days etc. However the Cup Final has always had replays and they were easily organised. Its at the end of the season so fixture congestion is has no relevance.

[Macy]

The clubs already give out about the amount of games played in a season and I don't think any club including United would be in favour of bringing back replays for this or any of the other competition finals.
Didn't I say that? No need to go off on another bad winner rant.... :)

Personally, it should either be no replay for any round including the final or replay's including the final. Difference with the other competitions you list, there aren't replays in the other rounds either (europe 2 legs admittedly, but knock out rounds of the internationals aren't).

[Karlos]

However the Cup Final has always had replays and they were easily organised. Its at the end of the season so fixture congestion is has no relevance.

Fixture Congestion is an issue particulary given the contract to host all FA Cup Finals at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff for the period of 2001 to 2005.

For example, had Liverpool been in the cup final this year and drew the game, a replay could not have been played mid-week due to the Champions League final. With a rugby international taking place next weekend at Cardiff, the facilities may not have been available and potentially the match may have had to be moved to mid-week bringing the game dangerously close to the june 4th internationals where countries could have evoked the FIFA 5 day rule and wiped out the first team squads of both teams. Had it been a World Cup or Euro Championship year aswell it would have been an even bigger problem.

And that's not even to mention the supporters and the money it costs to attend these games - between 60 and 90 pounds this time around aswell as travel to and from the games.

The huge empty spaces at the very last FA Cup Final replay between Arsenal & Sheffield Wednesday in '93 and many others previous is reason enough to not go back down this route.

The FA have even had probelms selling semi-final tickets in recent years (notably Blackburn this year and Sheffield Utd in recent times returning tickets) so it's no surprise they wouldn't want to go back down the route.

[Karlos]

Didn't I say that? No need to go off on another bad winner rant.... :)


aplogies, hadn't seen your post when I wrote mine!! :)

[Karlos]

Personally, it should either be no replay for any round including the final or replay's including the final.

Agree with you here in one way, but i can see the argument the FA puts forward, in that replays in the rounds up to and including the quarter finals help the smaller clubs and give them a better chance to earn more money and receive good exposure for a good draw. Exeter would have been a prime example of that this year.

The FA also removed the semi-final replays aswell only recently. I think they are assuming that the big boys will be in these later rounds and the desicions is aimed at helping them with regard to fixture congestion.

Had Arsenal and Utd drawn the in the semi final last year, Arsenal would have been well and truely fu*ked. As it was they played something like 4 games in 9 days including that semi against Utd and a champions league quarter final against the Russians, had that been 5 games it would have been a disaster and ultimatly would have probably meant Arsenal leaving out even more top players in the FA Cup replay than they had already done in the original semi (leaving out Henry for example) to concentrate on the major competitions like the Champions League and the Premiership.

That is something the FA would also want to avoid i.e. having the competition devalued even further.

[Macy]

That is something the FA would also want to avoid i.e. having the competition devalued even further.
It depends on your point of view - no replays for semi's and finals devalues the competition imo. If the FA was that arsed they'd drop 2 England friendlies instead.


And that's not even to mention the supporters and the money it costs to attend these games - between 60 and 90 pounds this time around aswell as travel to and from the games.
Now whatever the merit of some of the anti replay arguements, never, ever claim that the FA give a fook about the fans.
If that was an issue, then they would never have played the semi's in Cardiff in the first place, they'd reduce the ticket prices for the main games (they used to for replays), and they'd split Cup final capacity between both teams instead of all their blazers getting the tickets for the match/ to sell to touts.

[Karlos]

It depends on your point of view - no replays for semi's and finals devalues the competition imo. If the FA was that arsed they'd drop 2 England friendlies instead..

Well it's not only the England friendlies that's the problem - there's probably only a handful of english players going to play in the final anyway. There's issues over the qualification games that the likes of France, Brazil, Argentina etc have in the next week. Would you want to watch a final replay without Henry, Vieira, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy etc etc.......



Now whatever the merit of some of the anti replay arguements, never, ever claim that the FA give a fook about the fans.

I wasn't and haven't. All the FA care about is bums on seats at premium prices and in the last FA Cup Final Replay the supporters said no and didn't show leaving huge gaps in the stadium ultimately reducing the money the FA made on it and demeaning the spectacle. The FA doesn't want a high profile match in a half empty stadium on reduced prices but at high cost to them when they can charge top dollar for a big day out with a dramatic finale that gives all who attend (supposed!) value for money in that they are guaranteed to see someone lift the cup at the end.

[Macy]

Would you want to watch a final replay without Henry, Vieira, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy etc etc.......
hmmmmm, yes (and yes) and no (and no)... :D

[Karlos]

hmmmmm, yes (and yes) and no (and no)... :D

stupid question eh!!! :)

[NeilMcD]

Manchester United fans could be forgiven for feeling sorry for themselves when they trudged back to work on Monday.

Harshly beaten in the FA Cup final on penalties and deep in takeover territory following a predatory swoop by an American businessman whose intentions are not yet clear, United have been swimming against the tide in recent weeks.

As the United faithful left a soggy Millennium Stadium they will have felt the first goalless Cup final for 90-odd years summed up their season in a nutshell.

They dominated and outplayed numerous sides, but all too often the final product - goals - failed to materialise and the Red Devils were left empty handed.

Sir Alex Ferguson and captain Roy Keane were clearly not amused as they watched on from the sidelines as Arsenal lifted the Cup following their win on penalties.

But Ferguson, who will stay on at Old Trafford under the new regime, has plenty to smile about inwardly.

In Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, United had the two outstanding players on the pitch.

Man-of-the-match Rooney deserved to score a winner while Ronaldo will come to realise that for all his great trickery, he needs to bring a bit more to the table than a few tasty tit-bits for his colleagues to feed off.

United are in good shape defensively and Roy Keane, albeit in a deeper role, still just about offers enough to drive on the midfield. They need to identify a replacement soon, but the Irishman remains good enough to play at the top.

Darren Fletcher has a bright future ahead of him and Wes Brown is finally getting enough games under his belt to remind everybody that he still expects to play an important role for England, let alone United.


Van Nistelrooy needs a break to look for his shooting boots


However, evolution is happening at Old Trafford, and not just in the boardroom.

When Ferguson retreats to his holiday villa on the Cote D'Azur next Monday he will not idle his time away. He is already preparing for the new season on 13 August.

A new keeper will be signed in the next few weeks; there was no room for the Nevilles against Arsenal; Ryan Giggs played only a bit-part despite his new two-year deal; Paul Scholes' effectiveness could be on the wane; and Michael Owen could yet be a surprise summer transfer target.

United's tactics against Arsenal were spot on. All Ferguson has to do now is find a way for his willing team to start scoring again.

Perhaps all they need is a good rest, especially Ruud van Nistelrooy, who, at times, cut a forlorn figure at Cardiff. Still not at his sharpest after a long injury lay-off, the Dutchman needs a break to look for his shooting boots.


For those United fans still feeling down in the dumps, the Cup final defeat could yet galvanise United's desire next season when they will have a big point to prove against Arsenal, Chelsea and the rest.