Ljungberg goal enough for holders

Arsenal FC won through to their third consecutive FA Cup final with a 1-0 win against First Division Sheffield United FC at Old Trafford that sets up a meeting with Southampton FC, who overcame Watford FC 2-1.

Hard work
Holders Arsenal were victorious in both of the last two semi-finals in Manchester, but were made to work hard by Sheffield United, who also reached the last four of the League Cup before losing to Liverpool FC, and are still in contention for promotion to the Premiership.

Ljungberg goal
The goal came on 34 minutes, when Fredrik Ljungberg - scorer in the 2001 and 2002 finals - sent a shot into the roof of the net after Sylvain Wiltord had hit the post and then had an effort blocked. However, Sheffield United were unlucky earlier in the move when referee Graham Poll collided with Michael Tonge as he attempted to intercept an Arsenal pass, with the First Division side's striker Wayne Allison already lying injured after a challenge from Sol Campbell.

Seaman save
Patrick Vieira was forced off for Arsenal on 55 minutes having played with his knee in heavy strapping - a blow for the Londoners who play Manchester United FC in a potential Premiership title decider on Wednesday. Sheffield United kept pressing, but their best chance went begging on 84 minutes when substitute Paul Peschisolido's header from just four metres out was brilliantly saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, playing his 1,000th senior match.

Southampton beat Watford
The result means that Southampton are almost certainly  guaranteed a UEFA Cup berth after beating First Division Watford - with Arsenal on the verge of clinching a UEFA Champions League place. Southampton, who last won the competition in 1976, took the lead at Villa Park two minutes before half-time through striker Brett Ormerod, scoring his first goal since October.

Own goal decisive
Watford stalwart Paul Robinson then turned through his own goal with 12 minutes to go, and although Marcus Gayle's looping header pulled a goal back eight minutes later, Southampton had done enough to ensure a place in the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 17 May.