Arsenal reach final to keep double hopes alive

United were unfortunate in the build-up as Arsenal defender Sol Campbell clattered into forward Wayne Allison, but referee Graham Poll allowed play to continue and then collided with United’s Michael Tonge, allowing the Londoners to break forward.

“To lose to a goal like that in the manner that we lost was an absolute disgrace,” disappointed United manager Neil Warnock told the BBC. “There’s no justice whatsoever, but my lads were brilliant today.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “I don’t think the players should have kicked the ball out. If it’s not a free kick the game goes on. Of course, it was a controversial decision but that happens as well on the other side.”

United’s best chance came six minutes from time when substitute Paul Peschisolido saw his point-blank header from four metres brilliantly clawed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, making the 1,000th appearance of his career.

The underdogs pushed the holders all the way with a stirring second-half display. Indeed, throughout the game United clearly felt they had to hustle last season’s double winners out of their stride and they performed that task with aplomb.

Arsenal began with top scorer Thierry Henry and Dutch strike partner Dennis Bergkamp on the bench — a clear indication that Wenger had one eye on Wednesday’s potential premier league decider against Manchester United at Highbury.

In came Wiltord and Jeffers to lead the line in what was — the injured Robert Pires apart — arguably Wenger’s strongest possible starting line-up as he welcomed back Seaman, Martin Keown and Ashley Cole to the Defence.

Yet it was a strangely scrappy performance from the Londoners, who had already beaten Manchester United and Chelsea in this year’s FA Cup run, as they struggled to get their famed passing game together in the eye of the storm.

But with 34 minutes gone, Arsenal scored the crucial opening goal with their first genuine chance. United felt aggrieved at the start of the move as referee Poll ignored Campbell’s foul on Allison and then inadvertently ran into United’s Tonge.

Within seconds Jeffers’ cut-back from the by-line fell perfectly for Wiltord, whose first-time shot came back out off the foot of the post.

However, Wiltord reacted first and when his follow-up shot from a tight angle was blocked, Ljungberg was perfectly placed to rifle home the loose ball from about six metres.

Brazilian midfielder Edu was inches away from doubling the lead minutes before the break as his free kick from 25 metres flashed just over the angle.

But United, who have had a fine season with a playoff spot beckoning — they are third in the first division — and a narrow defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final behind them, reminded Arsenal this would be no walkover.

Seven minutes after the restart Zimbabwean winger Peter Ndlovu broke free but should have done better as he fired weakly at Seaman from inside the penalty area. Worryingly for Arsenal, bearing in mind their next game against Manchester United, Patrick Vieira limped out of the action to be replaced by Gilberto Silva just before the hour.

Arsenal must now wait for Sunday’s later semi-final between first division Watford and premier league Southampton at Villa Park to find out who they will face when they make a record 16th appearance in the FA Cup final on May 17.(Reuters)