After a hard fought game, Arsenal made it through to their fourth final in five. We will now have played in the first and last cup final in Cardiff. Throughout the game, we did well to stand up against a physical (to say the least!) Blackburn side, who were determined to stop us playing our football. For the most part in the first half, they were able to do this, but the timing of our goal proved crucial. After that goal went in, Blackburn had to come out which left us with spaces to exploit. Early second half chances came and went, and as we edged into the last ten minutes, nails were being bitten. That was before super sub Rob Van Persie came on, and scored two top quality goals to put the game well beyond doubt. As for the final, I predict that we get United, so I can't be wrong!
Key Incidents
Goal (Arsenal) (42) - What a great time to get a goal. Vieira chipped the ball into the box. It eluded both Ljungberg and the defender, but landed at the feet of Toure. He cooly took it past one with a clever dummy, and was able to pick out Bobby with a pin point pass, leaving him with an easy task.
Goal (Arsenal) (86 )- Robin Van Persie made himself a super sub! Having only just come on, he received the ball around 30 yards from goal. He spun past one before beating another with a deft touch. This took him to the edge of the area, from where he picked his spot and ensured that we would be in the cup final.
Goal (Arsenal) (90) - This was even better than his first! Aliadiere freed Pires down the left. He looked up and laid the ball on for Van Persie, who swept the ball home with a delightful volley. His celebration was cut short, as Andy Todd's elbow connected with his face. Whether it was intentional, I am still undecided. If it was, then the video panel will get him.
Man of The Match - Patrick Vieira
Player Ratings
Jens Lehmann - 7 - He had very little to do, as Blackburn chose to pursue a defensive formation. He dealt well with crosses, and his kicking was generally good.
Ashley Cole - 7 - He was able to keep Thompson very quiet. He frustrated Thompson who just resorted to kicking out.
Kolo Toure - 7.5 - He was strong all game, and helped us through. Also put on a great assist for the first goal.
Philippe Senderos - 7.5 - Another great game from the Swede. After putting a few passes astray in the opening minutes, he came through, performing solidly.
Lauren - 7 - His passing was much improved, and his forward runs were good. He was able to keep the highly rated Pedersen out of the game.
Robert Pires - 7 - Scored the first goal, and got the assist for the third. Had a big influence on the game, with his passing being much better than against Boro.
Gilberto - 7 - He allowed Vieira to get forward by sitting back. He read the game well, and made up plenty of ground.
Patrick Vieira - 9 - He rolled back the years. This was like the Paddy of 2000-2002. He was everywhere, dominating the play. He did well not to react to the barrage of horror tackles that came his way. He was able to turn their midfield inside out, and got the assist for the second.
Freddie Ljungberg - 6 - He had a fairly poor game, and was rightly replaced early in the second half after picking up a knock.
Jose Reyes - 6 - He put in the effort, but couldn't find the end result. It could have been such a different game for him had he taken his chance midway through the first half.
Dennis Bergkamp - 6 - He wasn't at his best, and some of the flicks didn't come off.
Subs
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - He slotted straight into the midfield. His forward runs were excellent, and he was unlucky not to take his chance when it came.
Jeremie Aliadiere - 6 - Set Pires free for the third, and showed a few neat touches.
Robin Van Persie - 8 - What an impact he had! He was only on the field for 8 minutes, but in that time he scored two amazing goals and sent us comfortably through to the final. He worked hard, and looked hungry for it. This game did much to regain the trust of the Arsenal fans, after a few "incidents" threatened to make him a liability.