Van Persie seals Arsenal's final place

Arsenal FC defeated Blackburn Rovers FC 3-0 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final for the fourth time in five years. Robert Pirès put Arsenal in front three minutes before half-time before substitute Robin Van Persie struck twice in the final four minutes to seal victory for the London side.

Pirès opener
A dour, physical semi-final was brought to life by Arsenal shortly before the break when Kolo Touré picked out Pirès who scored from close range. Blackburn rarely threatened, but Arsène Wenger's side, shorn of injured pair Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell, only made sure of the points in the final five minutes after the introduction of Van Persie with eight minutes to play.

Dutch double
The Dutch striker put the tie beyond doubt with a fine solo effort with four minutes remaining, then curled another excellent shot past Brad Friedel in the final minute. It was Arsenal's fifth successive semi-final appearance, equalling a competition record, and they will now contest a record 17th final at the Millennium Stadium on 21 May. Manchester United FC play Newcastle United FC in the second semi-final on Sunday.

Liverpool lose
In the Premiership, UEFA Champions league hopefuls Bolton Wanderers FC defeated Charlton Athletic FC 2-1 to move past Liverpool FC into fifth place after the Merseyside club could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Bolton climb
At the Valley, Jay-Jay Okocha's penalty put Bolton ahead before Francis Jeffers levelled in the 29th minute. El-Hadji Diouf's winning goal on 58 minutes takes the Lancastrian side past Liverpool and into fifth, two points behind Everton FC who have a game in hand.

Missed penalty
Liverpool were brought back to earth at Anfield three days after drawing with Juventus FC to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. Erik Edman put Tottenham in front on 12 minutes and though Luis García levelled a minute before half-time, Robbie Keane restored Tottenham's lead 10 minutes into the second half. Steven Gerrard, back after injury, missed a penalty before Sami Hyypiä's 63rd-minute goal earned Liverpool a point.

Strugglers meet
In the battle against relegation, Norwich City FC and Southampton FC both threw away two-goal leads, Norwich to draw 3-3 away to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace FC, while Aston Villa FC came from 2-0 down to defeat Southampton 3-2. Manchester City drew 1-1 at Fulham FC and Birmingham City FC drew 0-0 at home to Portsmouth FC.