Seaman's touch of genius sends Arsenal through

Arsenal 1 Sheffield United

In the distant days of autumn, when his team-mates were still eviscerating opponents and enchanting critics, David Seaman had little to do in the Arsenal goal but stand and admire. It must have seemed then that his age was irrelevant, a pensioner could stand between Arsenal's sticks so light was the workload. Yesterday, playing his 1,000th senior game five months short of his 40th birthday, Seaman was forced to justify his place. He did so with the agility of a teenage gymnast.

In clawing clear a point-blank 84th-minute header from Paul Peschisolido, which seemed to have crossed the line, and may even have done so, he ensured Arsenal reached their record 16th FA Cup final and broke Sheffield United hearts.

The Nationwide League side had proved obdurate opposition in this tight semi-final. As much as Arsenal would have liked to produce a swaggering riposte to Manchester United's six-goal statement of intent the previous day, they were ultimately grateful for an edgy, scrambled victory.

Exacerbating Sheffield's agony was the controversial nature of Fredrik Ljungberg's 34th-minute winner. In comments that could lead to an FA charge and suspension, Neil Warnock, the United manager, was unhappy at referee Graham Poll both for failing to give a foul against Sol Campbell preceding the goal, and for blocking Michael Tonge as play developed. Poll, he intimated afterwards, had favoured Arsenal throughout.

While United, without a win in five semis on this ground, now prepare for the First Division play-offs confident they can live with the élite if promoted, Arsenal's season remains two-dimensional

On 17 May they will meet Southampton, who defeated Watford in the other semi-final at Villa Park. With Arsenal sure to qualify for the Champions' League, Southampton's instant reward was a place in next season's Uefa Cup. Whether Arsenal will also be playing for a double Double in Cardiff will be much clearer after Wednesday, when they host the Premiership leaders Manchester United. They may be without Patrick Vieira, who limped off yesterday with injuries to both knees. "He is 50-50," Arsène Wenger said.

The Arsenal manager was partially consoled by the return of Ashley Cole and Seaman, which gave the Gunners' defence a more reassuring look. Of Seaman's save he said: "He works so hard in training, this was his reward. He is an example of professionalism and for young goalkeepers. He is fitter now than when I arrived."

Wenger said he was yet to decide whether to sign a new goalkeeper for next season but said Seaman would stay at the club regardless, either as senior goalkeeper, goalkeeping coach, or in a joint role.

Initially, neither Seaman nor his counterpart, Paddy Kenny, had much to do. Warnock set out his side to neutralise Arsenal's width, with Steve Kabba and Peter Ndlovu pressing Lauren and Cole on the flanks. In midfield Stuart McCall shielded the back four behind the talented youngsters Michael Brown, who had an excellent match on his return to Manchester, and Michael Tonge.

With several luminaries on the bench and Robert Pires injured, Arsenal struggled for fluency and took 17 minutes to muster an attack, Robert Page blocking Ljungberg as he sought to turn in Sylvain Wiltord's cross. The next time they threatened, they scored.

Campbell appeared to foul Wayne Allison but Poll, having waved play on, inadvertently checked Tonge as he went to take possession. With Allison still on the ground, Edu and Ljungberg released Francis Jeffers, who turned McCall, then crossed. Wiltord, having struck the post, reacted first as the ball rebounded through Page's legs. His deflected cross was turned in by Ljungberg. United were furious but Poll was not the only culprit, both McCall and Page could have cleared.

They did not recover their equilibrium until after the break, not helped by their anger at Martin Keown's unedifying attempt to get Poll to dismiss McCall after the veteran had brought down Wiltord. Gary Neville similarly beseeched Mike Riley before Sami Hyypia's dismissal here last week. Both senior pros should know better.

When the response came it was impressive in all but the finishing. Brown's 53rd-minute dribble set-up Ndlovu but the Zimbabwean striker chipped lamely into Seaman's arms. Brown shot wide after Carl Asaba flicked on a long throw. Nick Montgomery had a header blocked after Brown's run and cross. Finally, Page flicked on Tonge's corner, Asaba's blocked volley looped up and Peschisolido headed goalwards. Seaman arched, stretched, and saved.

The tie thus echoed the 1936 final between these sides. Then, as now, Arsenal were a power in the land but, according to contemporary reports, Sheffield United were unfortunate to lose to Ted Drake's solitary goal. The sobriquet 'Lucky Arsenal' dates from that decade. It may be coming back into fashion. The Gunners, limping to the finish like one of yesterday's four-hour marathon runners, will hope so.

Arsenal 1 Sheffield United 0
Ljungberg 34

H-T: 1-0 Att: 59,170

Arsenal (4-4-2): Seaman; Lauren, Keown, Campbell, Cole; Parlour, Vieira (Gilberto Silva, 56), Edu, Ljungberg; Jeffers (Henry, 66), Wiltord (Bergkamp, 80). Substitutes not used: Taylor (gk), Luzhny.

Sheffield United (4-1-2-3): Kenny; Curtis, Jagielka, Page, Kozluk; McCall (Asaba, 60); Tonge, Brown; Kabba (Peschisolido, 79), Allison (Montgomery, 60), Ndlovu. Substitutes not used: Murphy, Kelly (gk).

Referee: G Poll (Tring).

Bookings: Arsenal: Cole. Sheffield United: McCall, Brown, Asaba.

Man of the match: Brown.