View source for 2001 FA Cup final

{{Short description|Association football championship match between Arsenal and Liverpool, held in 2001}}
{{good article}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{For|the women's event|2001 FA Women's Cup final}}
{{Infobox football match
|                   title = 2001 FA Cup final
|                   image = 2001_FA_Cup_Final_programme.png
|                 caption = The [[Football programme|match programme]] cover.
|                   event = [[2000–01 FA Cup]]
|                   team1 = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|              team1score = 1
|                   team2 = [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
|              team2score = 2
|                 details = 
|                    date = 12 May 2001
|                 stadium = [[Millennium Stadium]]
|                    city = [[Cardiff]]
|      man_of_the_match1a = [[Michael Owen]] (Liverpool)
| man_of_the_match1atitle =
|                 referee = [[Steve Dunn (referee)|Steve Dunn]] ([[Gloucestershire Football Association|Gloucestershire]])
|              attendance = 72,500
|                 weather = Clear<br />{{convert|24|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=History for Cardiff-Wales, United Kingdom|url=http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/EGFF/2005/8/7/DailyHistory.html?req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA|publisher=[[Weather Underground (weather service)|Weather Underground]]|access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref>
|                previous = [[2000 FA Cup final|2000]]
|                    next = [[2002 FA Cup final|2002]]
}}
The '''2001 FA Cup final''' was a [[association football|football]] match between [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 12 May 2001 at the [[Millennium Stadium]], Cardiff. It was the final match of the [[2000–01 FA Cup]], the 120th season of the world's oldest football knockout competition, the [[FA Cup]], and the first in the competition's history to be staged outside England, due to the ongoing reconstruction of its usual venue, [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]. Arsenal appeared in their fourteenth final to Liverpool's twelfth.

Given both teams were in the highest tier of English football, the [[Premier League]], they entered the competition in the third round. Each needed to progress through five rounds to reach the final. Arsenal's progress was relatively comfortable; after scoring six past [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]], they knocked out holders [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in the fifth round and later came from behind to beat local rivals [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in the semi-final. Liverpool by contrast made hard work of overcoming lower-league opponents [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] and [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] in the latter rounds of the competition. The final marked the first time that two managers born outside the British Isles had met in an FA Cup final – French compatriots [[Arsène Wenger]] and [[Gérard Houllier]].

The match followed a familiar pattern of Arsenal dictating the pace and creating chances, but failing to breach the Liverpool defence. Arsenal had a penalty appeal turned down in the first half, when defender [[Stéphane Henchoz]] was judged not to have handled the ball to deny [[Thierry Henry]] a goalscoring opportunity. Henchoz's partner [[Sami Hyypiä]] made a series of goalline clearances during the second half, but was helpless to stop Arsenal taking the lead in the 72nd minute. Liverpool responded by making changes and equalised in the 83rd minute; Arsenal's failure to deal with a free-kick presented [[Michael Owen]] the chance to score. Owen then outpaced [[Lee Dixon]] and [[Tony Adams]] to score his second and the match winner, two minutes before the end of normal time. Liverpool's victory marked the second part of their unique [[Treble (association football)|treble]] of the [[2000–01 in English football|2000–01]] season: they had won the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] in late February and added the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] four days later.

As of 2021, this is the most recent time Arsenal have lost an FA Cup final, having won their next 7 appearances in a row. ([[2002 FA Cup final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2014 FA Cup final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup final|2015]], [[2017 FA Cup final|2017]], [[2020 FA Cup final|2020]])

==Route to the final==
{{Main|2000–01 FA Cup}}
The FA Cup is English football's primary [[Single-elimination tournament|cup competition]]. Clubs in the [[Premier League]] enter the FA Cup in the third round and are drawn randomly out of a hat with the remaining clubs. If a match is drawn, a replay comes into force, ordinarily at the ground of the team who were away for the first game. As with league fixtures, FA Cup matches are subject to change in the event of games being selected for television coverage and this often can be influenced by clashes with other competitions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2002/08/20766.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20040221173633/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2002/08/20766.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2004 |title=Rules of The FA Cup Challenge Cup |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=9 September 2013 }}</ref> This was the first season that [[The Football Association]] introduced guidelines to prevent the withdrawal of clubs from the competition.<ref name="chan">{{cite news |title=FA Cup reverts to tradition |page=30 |first=Mark |last=Bradley |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=28 January 2000}}</ref> The final was scheduled a week before the final weekend of the Premier League, to aid any successful club playing European football.<ref name="chan"/>

===Arsenal===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right"
<!-- |+ '''Arsenal''' -->
!width="25" | Round
!width="150" | Opposition
!width="50" | Score
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 3rd
| [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]] (a)
| 1–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 4th
| [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (a)
| 6–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 5th
| [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] (h)
| 3–1
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 6th
| [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] (h)
| 3–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| Semi-final
| [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] ([[Old Trafford|n]])
| 2–1
|-
| colspan="3" style="background-color:white;"| <small>'''Key:''' (h) = Home venue; (a) = Away venue; (n) = [[Home advantage#Neutral venues|Neutral venue]].</small>
|}
Arsenal entered the competition in the third round and their cup run started with an away tie against [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]]. Although the home side created numerous chances in the opening minutes and looked likeliest to score, Arsenal took the lead in the 22nd minute through [[Sylvain Wiltord]]. Poor finishing from both teams thereafter meant Arsenal progressed by a slender scoreline.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wily Wiltord helps Arsenal maintain the class divide |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2995947/Wily-Wiltord-helps-Arsenal-maintain-the-class-divide.html |first=Colin |last=Malam |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=6 January 2001 |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> In the fourth round, Arsenal faced [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] at [[Loftus Road]]. The visitors' first goal came around the half-hour mark; defender [[Ashley Cole]] cleared [[Peter Crouch]]'s goal-bound header and from that Arsenal launched a counterattack. [[Lee Dixon]]'s cross inadvertently met [[Chris Plummer]] who scored an [[own goal]]. Wiltord extended Arsenal's lead a minute later, and QPR conceded another own goal early in the second half which sealed the tie in the visitors' favour. Arsenal finished as comfortable 6–0 winners, representing the club's best away win in the FA Cup for 64 years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal question Wenger's priorities |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/2997615/Arsenal-question-Wengers-priorities.html |first=John |last=Ley |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=28 January 2001 |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref>

In the fifth round, Arsenal played the cup holders Chelsea at home. Throughout the tie, Arsenal's centre-back partnership of [[Oleh Luzhnyi]] and [[Igors Stepanovs]] struggled against the pace of [[Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink]], who equalised for Chelsea after [[Thierry Henry]] gave the home side the lead. Wiltord replaced [[Robert Pires]] in the second half and scored twice to settle the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wiltord picks Chelsea's pocket |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/feb/19/match.sport |first=David |last=Lacey |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=19 February 2001 |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> In the sixth round, Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable win against [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] of the First Division, where Wiltord continued his run scoring in each round of the competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gunners blitz stuns Blackburn |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1211715.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref>

Arsenal faced [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in the semi-final and it was their [[North London derby|local rivals]] who had taken the lead in the 14th minute.<ref name="spurs">{{cite news |title=Pinpoint Pires has the final say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/09/match.sport3 |first=David |last=Lacey |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 April 2001 |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> [[Patrick Vieira]] equalised just after Tottenham captain [[Sol Campbell]] was taken off the pitch to receive treatment.<ref name="spurs"/> Tottenham managed to withstand pressure from Arsenal for most of the second half, but came unstuck in the 73rd minute when Pires scored the decisive goal.<ref name="spurs"/>

===Liverpool===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right"
<!-- |+ '''Liverpool''' -->
!width="25" | Round
!width="150" | Opposition
!width="50" | Score
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 3rd
| [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] (h)
| 3–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 4th
| [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] (a)
| 2–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 5th
| [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] (h)
| 4–2
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| 6th
| [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] (a)
| 4–2
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center"| Semi-final
| [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] ([[Villa Park|n]])
| 2–1
|-
| colspan="3" style="background-color:white;"| <small>'''Key:''' (h) = Home venue; (a) = Away venue; (n) = [[Home advantage#Neutral venues|Neutral venue]].</small>
|}
Liverpool entered the competition in the third round, where they were drawn against Second Division side [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] at [[Anfield|home]]. [[Igor Bišćan]] was sent off in the tie for a second bookable offence, moments after [[Emile Heskey]] had scored. [[Dietmar Hamann]] extended Liverpool's lead in the 73rd minute and a further goal by Heskey ensured their progress in the competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Biscan blow sparks Liverpool into life |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2995953/Biscan-blow-sparks-Liverpool-into-life.html |first=Huw |last=Turbervill |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=6 January 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>

Liverpool's opponent in the fourth round was [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Leeds meet old rivals on elite list |page=S1 |first=Nick |last=Szczepanik |newspaper=The Times |date=8 January 2001}}</ref> The match was played at [[Elland Road]] on 27 January 2001 in front of a near-capacity crowd of 37,108. The home team enjoyed much of the possession, but struggled to find a breakthrough as Liverpool's defence stood firm. Two minutes before full-time, Barmby, on as a substitute, scored the winning goal, rebounding a shot that came off the post. Barmby then turned provider for Liverpool's second, setting-up Heskey to score.<ref name="leed">{{cite news |title=Liverpool stun Leeds |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1138324.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>

Anfield hosted [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in the fifth round. It was the start of a decisive week for Liverpool, as they faced [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] midweek in the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], then [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] in the [[2001 Football League Cup final]].<ref name="city">{{cite news |title=Liverpool too slick for City |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1177440.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 February 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> Liverpool were awarded a penalty after five minutes, as goalkeeper [[Nicky Weaver]] fouled [[Vladimír Šmicer]] inside the 18-yard box. [[Jari Litmanen]] converted the spot kick to give Liverpool the lead, which quickly became 2–0 when Heskey's shot found its way past Weaver. [[Andrei Kanchelskis]]' goal in the 28th minute halved the scoreline, but Šmicer and [[Markus Babbel]] each scored in the second half to put Liverpool in a commanding lead. City persisted and in stoppage time scored their second goal of the match; [[Shaun Goater]]'s deflected shot did enough to beat goalkeeper [[Sander Westerveld]].<ref name="city"/>

Liverpool travelled to [[Prenton Park]] to play [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] in the sixth round. [[Danny Murphy (footballer, born 1977)|Danny Murphy]] and [[Michael Owen]] each scored in a first half in which the visitors dominated play.<ref name="tran">{{cite news |title=Liverpool show appetite for fight |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/4776618/Liverpool-show-appetite-for-fight.html |first=Henry |last=Winter |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 March 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> [[Steve Yates (footballer, born 1970)|Steve Yates]] pulled a goal back for Tranmere after half-time, but in the 52nd minute [[Steven Gerrard]] headed-in a cross to restore Liverpool's two-goal advantage. A mistake by [[Robbie Fowler]] gifted substitute [[Wayne Allison]] the chance to score, but the striker made amends as he converted a penalty kick in the 81st minute.<ref name="tran"/> In the semi-final, Liverpool faced [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] at [[Villa Park]]. Goals from Heskey and Fowler and a consolation scored by Wycombe's captain [[Keith Ryan]] ensured Liverpool won 2–1 and earnt a place in the final.<ref>{{cite news |title=Liverpool end Wycombe's fight |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1264608.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>

==Pre-match==

===Stadium changes===
[[File:Stadiwm y MileniwmLB02.JPG|thumb|225px|upright|In addition to hosting the FA Cup Final, the [[Millennium Stadium]] acted as the venue for the [[FA Charity Shield|Charity Shield]], and all major [[Football League]] trophy and play-off finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=	FA opts for Cardiff final |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/fa-opts-for-cardiff-final-1-641588 |newspaper=The Scotsman |location=Edinburgh |date=5 January 2001 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref>]]
In October 2000, [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]], the final's traditional venue, was closed in anticipation of major redevelopment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Timeline: The new Wembley |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1326723.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2006 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Having considered alternative venues such as [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]], [[Murrayfield]] and [[Villa Park]], the FA announced in January 2001 that the next three Cup finals would be staged at Cardiff's [[Millennium Stadium]].<ref name="finalda">{{cite news |title=Millennium showpieces |page=71 |first=Mark |last=Bradley |newspaper=Coventry Telegraph |date=4 January 2001}}</ref> This therefore marked the first time the showpiece event was held outside England.<ref name="finalda"/> In the lead-up to the final, FA chief executive [[Adam Crozier]] acknowledged concerns over transport and the quality of the pitch, saying, "We've done a lot of work with Cardiff and hopefully it will be a great occasion, but we'll take a view about how it's worked after the final and decide whether to still hold the match there."<ref>{{cite news |title=Crozier: Cardiff on trial for Cup final |page=1 |first=Nick |last=Townsend |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=6 May 2001}}</ref> A new pitch was re-laid in May, and the police made attempts to ease traffic on the [[M4 motorway|M4]] by opening three more turn-offs than they did for the League Cup final.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cardiff prepares for moment of cup final glory |page=4 |first=Roger |last=Dobson |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=10 May 2001}}</ref>

The finalists received a total allocation of approximately 52,000 tickets, which was an estimated increase of 10% on previous Wembley finals.<ref name="timtick">{{cite news |title=FA kicks out Cup Final freeloaders |page=40 |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |newspaper=The Times |date=26 January 2001}}</ref> Seat prices for the final exceeded [[Pound sterling|£]]70,<ref name="timtick"/> though some ticket touts charged as much as £1,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Police seize fake tickets |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/COUNTDOWN+TO+THE+FA+CUP+FINAL%3A+POLICE+SEIZE+FAKE+TICKETS.-a074374787 |first=David |last=Mather |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=10 May 2001 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> The cheapest tickets cost £20; the rest were priced at £40 and £55.<ref name="timtick"/>

===Build-up===
Arsenal were appearing in the final of the FA Cup for the 14th time, their first in over three years. They had won the cup seven times previously (in [[1930 FA Cup final|1930]], [[1936 FA Cup final|1936]], [[1950 FA Cup final|1950]], [[1971 FA Cup final|1971]], [[1979 FA Cup final|1979]], [[1993 FA Cup final|1993]] and [[1998 FA Cup final|1998]]) and were beaten in the final six times.<ref>{{cite web |title=Arsenal's complete cup finals |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/history/cup-finals |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=27 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082911/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/history/cup-finals |archive-date=4 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> By comparison, Liverpool were making their 12th appearance in a FA Cup final. The club won the cup five times (in [[1965 FA Cup final|1965]], [[1974 FA Cup final|1974]], [[1986 FA Cup final|1986]], [[1989 FA Cup final|1989]], [[1992 FA Cup final|1992]]) and lost six finals, most recent of which against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in [[1996 FA Cup final|1996]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Liverpool's complete cup finals |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/liverpool/history/cup-finals |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=27 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100718/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/liverpool/history/cup-finals |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Arsenal and Liverpool had previously met thirteen times in the FA Cup, including four replays.<ref name="statf">{{cite web |title=Arsenal's head-to-head comparison with Liverpool |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/liverpool/head-to-head |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=26 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075427/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/liverpool/head-to-head |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Arsenal had a slender advantage in those meetings, winning five times to Liverpool's four.<ref name="statf"/> Both clubs were involved in the longest ever semi-final in FA Cup history in 1980, which required three replays after the original tie ended goalless.<ref name="gual">{{cite news |title=Joy of Six: Liverpool v Arsenal matches |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/mar/02/joy-of-six-liverpool-arsenal |first=Scott |last=Murray |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2 March 2012 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref> [[Brian Talbot]]'s goal at [[Highfield Road]] earnt Arsenal a 1–0 victory.<ref name="gual"/>

[[File:Houllier, Gérard.jpg|thumb|220px|upright|left|Liverpool manager [[Gérard Houllier]] was on course to win multiple trophies in the 2000–01 season.]]
The last meeting between the two teams had been in the Premier League on 23 December 2000. Liverpool recorded a 4–0 win at Anfield, their third-straight victory in all competitions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Liverpool keep dream alive |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/2995199/Liverpool-keep-dream-alive.html |first=Colin |last=Malam |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=24 December 2000 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> [[Gérard Houllier]], the manager of Liverpool, enjoyed success in the cup competitions during the 2000–01 season; under his management, the club ended their six-year spell without silverware by winning the League Cup,<ref>{{cite news |title=Blues shot down as Liverpool lift cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/worthington_cup/1187654.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2001 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> and in the calendar year defeated Roma, [[FC Porto|Porto]] and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] to reach the [[2001 UEFA Cup final]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Liverpool's Uefa Cup run |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/uefa_cup/1331304.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2001 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Houllier was indifferent that his side were considered the underdogs in the FA Cup final, and told reporters, "We have great work ethic and team ethic. There is a great desire to achieve something as a club."<ref name="houpre">{{cite news |first=Sean |last=Ingle |title=Heskey to start tomorrow |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/11/newsstory.sport3 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=11 May 2001 |access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref> He confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Heskey would start the final, though had yet to make a final decision over who would partner the England forward.<ref name="houpre"/>

Arsenal manager [[Arsène Wenger]] admitted his team had underachieved during the season, but took criticism of failing to challenge Manchester United in the league and progressing further in the [[UEFA Champions League]] as a "compliment to the club".<ref name="wengpre">{{cite news |title=Wenger driven by the fear of failure |page=31 |first=Tim |last=Rich |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=12 May 2001}}</ref> He spoke in favour of moving FA Cup ties midweek to prevent fixture congestion, because the current system was too demanding for the big clubs: "In England a team that goes for the FA Cup automatically has a problem in the championship, especially if they play in the Champions League. There are then so many games something has to be sacrificed and I have sacrificed points in the championship to the FA Cup."<ref name="wengpre"/> When asked whether reducing the number of teams in the UEFA Champions League would help, Wenger commented it "...&nbsp;would mean less money and no one with the wages we pay can accept a drop in income. As for cutting the Premiership – they have done that in France and now those teams not involved in the cups are complaining."<ref name="wengpre"/>

The match attracted considerable media interest because of the number of foreigners involved.<ref name="fore">{{cite news |title=Abide with moi, boyo! |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/%5B1%5D+FOOTBALL%3A+FA+CUP+FINAL+2001%3A+ARSENAL+v+LIVERPOOL+-+ABIDE+WITH...-a074461248 |first1=John |last1=Dillon |first2=David  |last2=Maddock |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref> It marked the first time that the two managers of opposing sides were born outside the British Isles, and it was anticipated the final would receive a large overseas audience because of the inclusion of several international players.<ref name="fore"/> Broadcast in 70 countries, viewing figures for the match totalled close to 600&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Economic Impact of the FA Cup and Other Football Matches |url=http://formerly.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=10778 |publisher=Cardiff Council |format=PDF |year=2001 |access-date=30 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416224446/http://formerly.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=10778 |archive-date=16 April 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Match==
===Summary===
Both clubs lined up in a traditional [[4–4–2 formation]]: a four-man [[Defender (association football)|defence]] (comprising two [[centre-back]]s and [[full-back (association football)|left and right full-backs]]), four [[midfielder]]s (two in the [[central midfielder|centre]], and one on each [[wide midfielder|wing]]) and two [[centre forward]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Houllier's way the right path to glory |page=S3 |first=Glenn |last=Moore |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> Wenger opted to pair [[Gilles Grimandi]] with Vieira in midfield and Wiltord up front with Henry, leaving Bergkamp on the substitutes' bench.<ref>{{cite news |title=Keown and Henry left frustrated by weakest links in team |page=S7 |first=Oliver |last=Kay |newspaper=The Times |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> [[Ashley Cole]] played in defence, ahead of [[Sylvinho]], who did not feature in the matchday squad.<ref name="bbcclock">{{cite news |title=FA Cup final clockwatch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1326723.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> For Liverpool, Houllier named Owen in the starting line-up, and chose Šmicer and Murphy to play in midfield.<ref name="rudd">{{cite news |title=Cool Owen shows his ability to shine on the big occasion |page=S7 |first=Alyson |last=Rudd |newspaper=The Times |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> [[Gary McAllister]], [[Patrik Berger]] and Fowler began the final as substitutes.<ref name="rudd"/>

Arsenal in their usual home strip of red shirts and white shorts kicked off the match and immediately won a corner, which was dealt with by Westerveld.<ref name="bbcclock"/> A run by Heskey six minutes later resulted in the player taking a tumble under [[Gilles Grimandi]]'s challenge, but his appeals for a penalty were ignored by referee Dunn.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Arsenal began to dominate play, with Vieira at the heart of their best moves. The midfielder won a challenge with Heskey in the 17th minute and sent the ball in the direction of [[Freddie Ljungberg]], who in turn passed it to Henry. The Frenchman went around Westerveld and shot the ball goalwards, which was cleared off the line by [[Stéphane Henchoz]].<ref name="bbcrep">{{cite news |title=Owen shatters Arsenal in Cup final |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1324699.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=31 December 2009}}</ref> Television replays later showed the ball hitting Henchoz's arm before going wide; although Henry appealed for a penalty, it was turned down as the incident was missed by both the referee and his assistant.<ref name="bbcrep"/> Owen came close to scoring in the 20th minute, but for his shot to be blocked by [[Martin Keown]].<ref name="bbcrep"/> Arsenal continued to find the best openings, but struggled to split open the Liverpool defence. A long range effort by Grimandi was easily saved by Westerveld as the final approached the half-hour mark, and a duel between Wiltord and [[Jamie Carragher]] on the right side resulted in a Liverpool corner.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Two minutes before the interval Henry was penalised for drifting into an offside position, having collected a long pass.<ref name="guarcl">{{cite news |title=Arsenal 1–2 Liverpool |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/12/minutebyminute.sport |first=Matt |last=Hughes |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>

Liverpool resumed play and won a free-kick in the 48th minute; Murphy's delivery found Heskey, whose header forced a save from [[David Seaman]]. Arsenal enjoyed their best spell of the match soon afterwards, but failed to make use of their set-pieces.<ref name="bbcclock"/> A free-kick taken by Pires was easily handled by Westerveld, and nothing came out of the resulting corner.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Pires and Henry combined in attack for Arsenal and the latter came close to scoring, had the Liverpool goalkeeper not intervened. The ball rebounded to Cole who shot goalwards, but [[Sami Hyypiä]] cleared off the line.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Hamann was shown a yellow card for fouling Vieira in the 57th minute, and Houllier responded by replacing him with McAllister four minutes later.<ref name="bbcclock"/> The change had the desired effect as it brought composure to Liverpool's play, particularly in midfield. In the 62nd minute Ljungberg received a yellow card for a challenge on Šmicer. Arsenal squandered another chance, this time two minutes before the 70; Henry outpaced Henchoz and his rebounded shot found Ljungberg in the penalty area. The midfielder's effort, a chip over the advancing Westerveld, was cleared off the line by Hyypiä.<ref>{{cite news |title=FA Cup Final: Owen's double take stuns unlucky Arsenal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3005224/FA-Cup-Final-Owens-double-take-stuns-unlucky-Arsenal.html |first=Colin |last=Malam |newspaper=The Sunday Telegraph |location=London |date=13 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>

With 19 minutes left, Arsenal finally scored. A poor clearance by Westerveld fell to Grimandi, who passed the ball to Pires. Ljungberg received it and rounded the goalkeeper to score, much to Wenger's delight.<ref name="guarcl"/> Henry missed a chance to give Arsenal a two-goal lead in the 74th minute, as his shot was point-blank saved by Westerveld and on the follow-up cleared by Hyypiä.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Both managers made changes in the final period of the game; [[Ray Parlour]] came on for Wiltord in order to protect Arsenal's lead, whereas Liverpool made an attacking double substitution – Fowler and Berger on for Šmicer and Murphy.<ref name="bbcclock"/> Liverpool survived the onslaught and found a foothold in the game when Owen equalised with eight minutes left. Arsenal failed to clear substitute McAllister's free-kick, and Owen pounced with a right-foot finish past Seaman from eight yards.<ref name="bbcrep"/> Liverpool's comeback was completed six minutes later in the 88th minute, with extra time looming; Owen was released down the left by a weighted long ball pass from Berger, with the type of vision which had been earlier missing from their play, and he outpaced both [[Tony Adams]] and Dixon before shooting low and accurately past Seaman, beating him at the far post.<ref name="guarcl"/> Liverpool held on to their lead for the few minutes remaining to win the final.<ref name="guarcl"/>

===Details===
{{football box
|date=12 May 2001
|time=15:00 [[Western European Summer Time|BST]]
|team1=[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|score=1–2
|goals1=[[Freddie Ljungberg|Ljungberg]] {{goal|72}}
|goals2=[[Michael Owen|Owen]] {{goal|83||88}}
|report=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120428153056/https://www.thefa.com/competitions/facompetitions/thefacup/history/cupfinalresults/2001arsenalliverpool Report]
|team2=[[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
|stadium=[[Millennium Stadium]], Cardiff
|attendance=72,500
|referee=[[Steve Dunn (referee)|Steve Dunn]] ([[Gloucestershire Football Association|Gloucestershire]]) }}

{| width=92%
|-
|{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _arsenal0001h
 | pattern_b  = _arsenal0001h
 | pattern_ra = _arsenal0001h
 | leftarm    = FFFFFF
 | body       = DD0000
 | rightarm   = FFFFFF
 | shorts     = FFFFFF
 | socks      = FFFFFF
 | title      = Arsenal
}}
|{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _liverpool0001a
 | pattern_b  = _liverpool0001a
 | pattern_ra = _liverpool0001a
 | leftarm    = FFBF00
 | body       = FFBF00
 | rightarm   = FFBF00
 | shorts     = 000080
 | socks      = 000080
 | title      = Liverpool
}}
|}

{| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[David Seaman]]
|-
|RB ||'''2''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Lee Dixon]] || || {{suboff|90}}
|-
|CB ||'''5''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Martin Keown]] 
|-
|CB ||'''6''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Tony Adams]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|LB ||'''29'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Cole]] 
|-
|RM ||'''8''' ||{{fbaicon|SWE}} [[Freddie Ljungberg]] || {{yel|62}} || {{suboff|85}}
|-
|CM ||'''18'''||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Gilles Grimandi]]
|-
|CM ||'''4''' ||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Patrick Vieira]]
|-
|LM ||'''7''' ||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Robert Pires]]
|-
|CF ||'''11'''||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Sylvain Wiltord]] || || {{suboff|76}}
|-
|CF ||'''14'''||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Thierry Henry]]
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''13'''||{{fbaicon|AUT}} [[Alex Manninger]]
|-
|DF ||'''12'''||{{fbaicon|CMR}} [[Lauren (Cameroonian footballer)|Lauren]]
|-
|MF ||'''15'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Ray Parlour]] || || {{subon|76}}
|-
|FW ||'''10'''||{{fbaicon|NED}} [[Dennis Bergkamp]] || || {{subon|90}}
|-
|FW ||'''25'''||{{fbaicon|NGA}} [[Nwankwo Kanu]] || || {{subon|85}}
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Manager:''' 
|-
|colspan="4"|{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Arsène Wenger]]
|}
|valign="top"|[[File:Arsenal vs Liverpool 2001-05-12.svg|300px]]
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{fbaicon|NED}} [[Sander Westerveld]]
|-
|RB ||'''6''' ||{{fbaicon|GER}} [[Markus Babbel]]
|-
|CB ||'''12'''||{{fbaicon|FIN}} [[Sami Hyypiä]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|CB ||'''2''' ||{{fbaicon|SWI}} [[Stéphane Henchoz]]
|-
|LB ||'''23'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Jamie Carragher]]
|-
|RM ||'''13'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Danny Murphy (footballer, born 1977)|Danny Murphy]] || || {{suboff|77}}
|-
|CM ||'''17'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Steven Gerrard]] 
|-
|CM ||'''16'''||{{fbaicon|GER}} [[Dietmar Hamann]] || {{yel|57}} || {{suboff|60}}
|-
|LM ||'''7''' ||{{fbaicon|CZE}} [[Vladimír Šmicer]] || ||{{suboff|77}}
|-
|CF ||'''8''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Emile Heskey]]
|-
|CF ||'''10'''||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Michael Owen]] 
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''19'''||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Pegguy Arphexad]]
|-
|DF ||'''27'''||{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Grégory Vignal]]
|-
|MF ||'''15'''||{{fbaicon|CZE}} [[Patrik Berger]] || || {{subon|77}}
|-
|MF ||'''21'''||{{fbaicon|SCO}} [[Gary McAllister]] || || {{subon|60}}
|-
|FW ||'''9''' ||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Robbie Fowler]] || || {{subon|77}}
|-
|colspan="4"|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan="4"|{{fbaicon|FRA}} [[Gérard Houllier]]
|}
|}
{| width=100% style="font-size:90%"
| width=50% valign=top|
'''Match rules'''
*90 minutes.
*30 minutes of extra-time if necessary.
*Penalty shootout if scores still level.
*Five named substitutes
*Maximum of 3 substitutions.
|}

===Statistics===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col" |Statistic
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Arsenal
! scope="col" style="width:70px;"| Liverpool
|-
!scope=row|Goals scored
| 1
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Possession
| 47%
| 53%
|-
!scope=row|Shots on target
| 7
| 4
|-
!scope=row|Shots off target
| 4
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Corner kicks
| 4
| 5
|-
!scope=row|Offsides
| 6
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Fouls
| 18
| 17
|-
!scope=row|Yellow cards
| 1
| 1
|-
!scope=row|Red cards
| 0
| 0
|-
|colspan="3"|Source:<ref>{{cite news |title=How they rated |page=S8 |newspaper=News of the World |date=13 May 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Football's Owen home |page=S2 |first=Matt |last=Driscoll |newspaper=News of the World |date=13 May 2001}}</ref>
|}

==Post-match and aftermath==
Houllier was disappointed with Liverpool's start and noticed his players struggled with the humidity.<ref>{{cite news |title=Houllier celebrates Cardiff triumph |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1327336.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> He nevertheless saw set-pieces as an opportunity to score goals from and felt the equaliser turned the final in his team's favour: "Suddenly the confidence switches to the other camp. They're affected, they become a bit unsettled, and you keep going."<ref name="richw"/> Houllier revealed he gave a frank assessment of the task facing his players before the match; although in his words Arsenal were "...&nbsp;probably a bit better than us, probably more mature, more experienced, more ability in some areas", dealing with setbacks would make the difference on the day.<ref name="richw"/> He dismissed accusations that Liverpool were boring, rather describing his team as difficult to beat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tables turn as Liverpool produce late knockout |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3005314/Tables-turn-as-Liverpool-produce-late-knockout.html |first=Henry |last=Winter |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=15 May 2001 |access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> Owen, the match winner, felt he answered his critics by scoring left-footed: "It's nice to prove people wrong when they say you haven't got a left foot. I was supposed to be the worst header and the worst player with my left foot in the league, and how could an England player play when they haven't got a left foot.&nbsp;... It does go to show that I have improved and I am improving."<ref>{{cite news |title=I've nothing more to prove, says Owen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/1328141.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Thierry Henry (498018484).jpg|thumb|200px|upright|[[Thierry Henry]]'s performance received mixed reviews by the British press.]]
Wenger lamented Arsenal's inability to make possession count, saying: "It has happened all season. We don't finish."<ref name="lawt">{{cite news |title=Clinical Owen takes Arsenal to finishing school |page=S3 |first=James |last=Lawton |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> He criticised the referee for not sending off Henchoz, especially as linesman Kevin Pike told him the Liverpool defender had committed a foul.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wenger: Ref Dunn us right in |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Wenger%3A+Ref+Dunn+us+right+in.-a074468231 |newspaper=Sunday Mail |location=Glasgow |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> On reflection of the season, Wenger disagreed it was one of failure – "It is not easy to get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the final of the FA Cup and to finish in the top three of the Premiership in the same season", but admitted he needed to make signings to strengthen the squad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wenger's trust again betrayed by Arsenal's lack of killer instinct |page=S7 |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |newspaper=The Times |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> Henry called for changes to Arsenal's forward line and felt the team would benefit from a "fox in the box", a player who would stay in and around the penalty area to score.<ref name="foxbox">{{cite news |title=Henry: We need box fox |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1329408.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref> "When I make wide runs and put in crosses there is often no-one there to put the ball in the net. Owen was the hero because he is always in the right place. We need a goalscorer like that", he concluded.<ref name="foxbox"/>

{{Quote box|width=250px|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |align=left|quote="On some occasions the will to win is more important than the skill to win."|salign = left|source=[[Gérard Houllier]] speaking after the game<ref name="richw">{{cite news |title=Owen fast forward to next blockbuster |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/14/sport.comment1 |first=Richard |last=Williams |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>}}

Journalists and pundits reviewing the final praised Liverpool's tenacity; radio commentator [[Alan Green (broadcaster)|Alan Green]] wrote in his ''[[The News Letter|News Letter]]'' column of 14 May 2001: "Simply, they never give up and when you have a player like Michael Owen within your ranks you believe that any situation can be rescued, as it was in the magnificent Millennium Stadium."<ref>{{cite news |title='Old Empire' striking back |page=60 |first=Alan |last=Green |newspaper=The News Letter |date=14 May 2001}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' correspondent [[David Lacey]] declared "The Owen of France '98 was reborn in Cardiff,"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/14/match.sport |title=Five minutes that turned the world upside down |first=David |last=Lacey |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref> while [[Hugh McIlvanney]] of ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' called Owen "the master executioner of English football." McIlvanney felt over the 90 minutes the Arsenal team were "unlucky to lose", lauding Vieira's show in midfield.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gunned down by smiling assassin |page=S3 |first=Hugh |last=McIlvanney |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=13 May 2001}}</ref> James Lawton's match report in ''[[The Independent]]'' was not as empathetic; although in praise of Henry's performance his indecision compared to Owen, demonstrated how "effect, not style, is everything" in football.<ref name="lawt"/> Clive White of ''[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]'' criticised Henry's lack of end product, using the final and Arsenal's European failure against [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] to demonstrate how he would never be considered a "natural goalscorer".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23848090.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924191246/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23848090.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Owen shows how it's done; No hoorays for Henry as he fails to breach defence |first=Clive |last=White |newspaper=The Herald |location=Glasgow |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=6 April 2015|url-access=subscription }}</ref> [[Ron Atkinson]], writing in his tactics column for ''The Guardian'' noted Liverpool's winning goal only came about because of Arsenal's eagerness to attack, which left gaps in defence.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/14/facup.sport2 |title=How a moment's lapse lost the Cup for Arsenal |first=Ron |last=Atkinson |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref>

The final was broadcast live in the United Kingdom by both [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] and [[Sky Sports]], with the former providing free-to-air coverage and Sky Sports 2 being the pay-TV alternative.<ref>{{cite news |title=The sporting week |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+sporting+week%3A+Richard+Morgan+picks+the+highlights+on+TV.-a074461565 |first=Richard |last=Morgan |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref> ITV held the majority of the viewership, with an overnight peak audience of 7.8&nbsp;million viewers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ratings – BBC1 hits right note with Euro singsong |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/ratings-bbc-1-hits-right-note-with-euro-singsong/1175283.article |date=18 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015 |journal=Broadcast |publisher=Top Right Group|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Four days after the final Liverpool beat [[Deportivo Alavés|Alavés]] by five goals to four, to win the [[UEFA Cup]] and complete a treble of cup victories.<ref>{{cite news |title=Houllier hails brilliant Reds |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/uefa_cup/1335207.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2001 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref> Victory against [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] on 20 May 2001 ensured Liverpool finished third in the Premier League and with that earn a place in the [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/21/match.sport |title=Houllier's rallying call produces final flourish from the men of May |first=David |last=Lacey |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 May 2001 |access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> Arsenal ended the season as league runners-up; a draw against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] was enough for them to secure second spot.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/16/match.sport |title=Silver medal for Gunners |first=John |last=Wardle |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 May 2001 |access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>

In his autobiography released a few years later, Gerrard reflected that Liverpool were fortunate to win, but was critical of Arsenal's "bitter" reaction: "Wenger and Ljungberg kept complaining about the hand-balls. Get real, boys. That's football. Grow up."<ref>{{cite book |first=Steven |last=Gerrard |title=Gerrard: My Autobiography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ANmFyoITK_EC&pg=PA204 |page=204 |publisher=Random House |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-4481-5446-3}}</ref> He reserved special praise for his opponent Vieira however, saying a few days after the game: "It was my job to try and stop him, but he definitely got the better of me that day. He's such a great player. He's so fit, and he dictates the pace of a game. There are a lot of things you can learn just by watching him."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3006365/Gerrard-salutes-Vieira-the-master.html |title=Gerrard salutes Vieira the master |first=Matt |last=Lawton |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=30 May 2001 |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> Assessing his career in a column for the ''Telegraph'', Owen wrote that winning the cup was "...the best day of my career, the game I look back on more than any other and think it was the most exhilarating experience I ever had playing football."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/10836532/Michael-Owen-Winning-the-FA-Cup-with-Liverpool-remains-the-highlight-of-my-career.html |title=Winning the FA Cup with Liverpool remains the highlight of my career |first=Michael |last=Owen |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=27 February 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[2001 Football League Cup final]]
*[[2001 FA Trophy final]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{commons category}}

{{FA Cup}}
{{2000–01 in English football}}
{{Arsenal F.C. matches}}
{{Liverpool F.C. matches}}

[[Category:FA Cup finals|2001]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. matches|FA Cup Final 2001]]
[[Category:Liverpool F.C. matches|FA Cup Final 2001]]
[[Category:2000–01 in Welsh football|FA Cup Final]]
[[Category:2000–01 FA Cup|Final]]
[[Category:2000s in Cardiff]]
[[Category:May 2001 sports events in the United Kingdom|FA Cup Final]]
[[Category:Football competitions in Cardiff]]
[[Category:Association football matches in Wales]]