Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal (FA Cup Final)
Date Played: May 2001
Arsenal had complete control of the early stages of this FA Cup final between the two dominant sides of English football. Freddie Ljungberg passed the ball to Thierry Henry and he screamed past the Liverpool goal keeper, Westerveld and he was blocked by Henchoz near the goal line, however despite the penalty appeals, nothing was awarded. The speed of the match increased as the tie entered the second half. Danny Murphy delivered a fine free kick in and Emile Heskey came near to heading the ball into the goal as Seamen saved the shot. Henry came very close ten minutes into the second period as Ashley Cole had an easy chance missed as Sammy Hyypia cleared the ball off the line. With 20 minutes left on the clock, Liverpool goal keeper, Westerveld had a horrendous moment with a bad defensive clearance, and as Pires played Freddie Ljungberg in, he ran past the Dutch goalkeeper and scored comfortably. Arsenal more than deserved the advantage and they nearly doubled there advantage if it was not for a fine point blank save from a powerful Henry shot. Houllier made two substitutions, bringing on Fowler and Berger on to the pitch. With 8 minutes remaining Owen leveled the score line for Liverpool and the tie was now to be won. Few moments later amazing comeback by the reds was complete as Michael Owen once again got on the goal sheet, running past Tony Adams and comfortably smashing the ball past Seamen into the back of the goal. The final finished 2-1 to Liverpool and they were the champions of the 2001 FA Cup final.