Southampton

This game took place at the Millennium Stadium, on Saturday 17th May at 3pm. Attendance was 73,726.

Final result was 1-0. Arsenal's goalscorer was Robert Pires (38')

Here's the official report from Arsenal.com: "Robert Pires wasn't even in the UK when Arsenal won the FA Cup last May, but he was the centre of attention on Saturday as the Gunners retained the trophy at the Millennium Stadium. The French midfielder was on target seven minutes before the interval to break Southampton's hearts and ensure Arsenal's season ended on a high note. Pires was the scourge of the Saints 10 days ago, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 Premiership victory at Highbury, and he provided a scrappy finish to a slick Arsenal move to seal a third FA Cup triumph in six years. Thierry Henry found Dennis Bergkamp on the right, the Dutchman squared the ball to Freddie Ljungberg and, after the Swede's shot was blocked, the rebound fell kindly for Pires, who rifled the ball past Antti Niemi from eight yards. It was no more than Arsenal deserved after carving out the clearer chances in an entertaining and open final. The Gunners should have been ahead long before Pires struck, but a combination of poor finishing and alert goalkeeping from Niemi kept them at bay. Henry might even have shattered the record for the quickest Cup final goal, set by Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo seven years ago, but he squandered a gilt-edged opportunity in the first 30 seconds. The crowded treatment room at Arsenal's training ground had given Arsene Wenger cause for concern in the build-up to the game, but his problems eased before kick-off. Lauren returned after an ankle injury while Martin Keown, Oleg Luzhny and Parlour all shrugged off minor knocks to take their place in the starting line-up. David Seaman was also fit after a neck injury, and he led the team out on his 1,004th appearance for the Gunners, becoming the oldest goalkeeper to appear in an FA Cup final. The veteran was a virtual spectator as Arsenal dominated the early stages and created a string of chances to take the lead. Henry, inevitably, was the main threat, and he should have broken the deadlock inside the first minute after collecting Ljungberg's pass in the right channel and shaking off his marker. The French striker advanced on Niemi and seemed certain to score, but he shot straight at the 'keeper. Southampton's reprieve should only have been temporary, but profligacy cost Arsenal dear again as Henry raced onto Bergkamp's exquisite crossfield pass only to shoot tamely at Niemi once more. Bergkamp himself had a chance after eight minutes. Henry was involved again, cutting inside and firing in a low shot which Niemi fumbled. Bergkamp seized possession, but young Chris Baird was on hand to clear as the Dutchman drove the ball across the six-yard box. It wasn't all one-way traffic though. Southampton, fielding a rather defensive line-up but playing their part in a captivating affair, had chances of their own. Michael Svensson forced a save from Seaman after Matthew Oakley's long throw and Baird forced the Arsenal 'keeper to scramble across his goal to save a low, curling effort. But after weathering that brief storm, Arsenal eventually took a firmer grip on the game, and any remaining nerves were settled by Pires' 38th-minute strike. Life could have been more comfortable for the Gunners by the interval, but Pires scooped another chance over the bar two minutes after his goal and Ljungberg was denied by a last-ditch challenge. Southampton emerged from the break with renewed vigour and caused a few flutters in the Arsenal defence. Keown was forced to make two crucial headed interceptions as the underdogs' aerial power threatened to force an equaliser. But while Southampton pressed, Arsenal looked dangerous on the break and could have doubled their lead. Bergkamp cleverly made space for a shot which Niemi parried to Ljungberg, but the Swede could only find the side-netting as history beckoned. He was, of course, looking to become the first player to score in three successive finals. Henry, still striving to break his Cup final duck, was the next to go close. Pires found his compatriot on the left and Henry moved through the gears before cutting inside and forcing a wonderful save from Niemi. The Finnish goalkeeper certainly vindicated Gordon Strachan's decision to recall him ahead of Paul Jones, but the latter was forced into the fray shortly afterwards when Niemi was stretchered off with an injury. Not that Jones was particularly busy in the closing stages as Southampton raised themselves for one final push. Their efforts were so nearly rewarded. Another substitute, Jo Tessem, scuffed an excellent chance shortly after coming on, and Brett Ormerod forced a brilliant save from Seaman with seven minutes remaining. Niemi's injury gave the Saints an extra four minutes to salvage their day, and Ashley Cole was forced to clear off the line in a frantic finale. But Arsenal would not be denied and ended their silverware in the best way possible - with a trophy."