Arsenal 2 Chelsea 0

Prior to kick off, the question on everyones lips was if Hasselbaink had recovered from his calf injury. Within minutes it became clear that the Dutchman was struggling and he had rolled down his sock to aid his injured calf. But to me that was just inviting the Arsenal defenders to kick lumps out of that leg as he was clearly suffering from it. John Terry was omitted from the starting lineup supposedly due to him feeling dizzy and ill once he woke up. Anyone remember the 1998 World Cup Final and the Ronaldo incident after waking up on the day of the final. Personally I thought that it was an excellent idea to play Gallas down the middle to try and combat the pace of Thierry Henry.

The opening half of the match was disappointing but it showed signs of encouragement for both sides. Chelsea created openings for both Lampard then Le Saux to try from distance but there was nothing clear cut. Then Arsenal started to get into the match and both Bergkamp and Lauren went close with headers. But half time arrived without any of the strikers having any decent opportunities as Bergkamp's effort was a half chance at best.

While Chelsea continued to dominate long periods of possession before and after the interval, it was actually Arsenal who were creating the real danger. Chelsea then had to reshuffle, with John Terry replacing Celestine Babayaro, but things didn't change for the boys in blue.

Eidur Gudjohnsen saw an effort tipped over and Le Saux shot wastefully on his wrong foot. Even the introduction of Gianfranco Zola for Hasselbaink failed to ignite Chelsea's challenge. Then Arsenal struck and it was a marvellous goal for a marvellous occassion. Ray Parlour broke from midfield and when he reached the edge of the box he hit a curling shot which Cudicini could only deflect into the net. It was a wonderful goal by Parlour who has had a difficult season. It was cruel on Chelsea, for whom Frank Lampard and Marcel Desailly were very impressive. Lampard was clearly fired up for the match and he never stopped running. It must be said it was his first world class performance in a Chelsea shirt yet he still manaed to end up on the losing side. Thierry Henry then had an effort well saved by Cudicinibefore Freddie Ljungberg, similar to Parlour, broke clear and he clipped a curling effort into the same corner. It was a stunning goal which just depleted us but the players never gave up until the final whistle.

Many people may have been disappointed with Chelsea on the day but I think that we played really well. The boys never stopped running and we gave it everything. Unfortunately, our top scorer was clearly unfit and, at the end of the day, that may have cost us the FA Cup. But Arsenal are worthy winners and my hat goes off to them for a magnificent season. Lets hope that Chelsea can have one like it next year...