Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties

The FA Cup Final
Saturday 21 May 2005
£1,000,000 to the winning club



The thrilling finale of Saturday's FA Cup Final gripped the nation with TV viewing figures peaking at a remarkable 13.7 million.

The huge number of viewers tuning in to watch Arsenal's victory over Manchester United on BBC and Sky Sports made it the biggest sporting peak audience of the year to date.

It was also the the biggest match audience for The FA Cup Final since 1997's match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough, and the highest peak quarter hour audience since 1996 (Manchester United v Liverpool).

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "The viewing figures for Saturday's Cup Final were tremendous. They graphically illustrate the unique and enduring appeal of The FA Cup.

"There has been a significant rise in viewing figures for The Cup throughout this season matched by extremely healthy attendances for all rounds of the competition. This suggests very clearly that The FA Cup still has a central place in the hearts of football fans.

"We look forward to further increases next season as we build up to The FA Cup Final's return to the Wembley Stadium."

This season's competition has seen peak audience figures of over seven million for six different matches on the BBC. Manchester United's replay with Exeter in the Third Round peaked at 8.2 million while Everton v Manchester United in the Fifth Round drew 8.1 million viewers.

The seven million mark was also passed in the Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough as well as Sheffield United v Arsenal in a Fifth Round replay and the Manchester United v Newcastle Semi-Final.

The impressive viewing figures have been matched by rising attendances at FA Cup matches. Average crowds in every round of the competition from the Third Round onwards have been higher than in the previous two campaigns.

On Third Round weekend, an average attendance of 17,214 made it the highest number in 24 years, while the Fourth Round weekend average of 25,714 was the best for 27 years. The completed Fifth Round saw an average of 28,272 per game - the best for six seasons.

The two Semi-Finals at the Millennium Stadium in April drew an audience of 121,357 - the third highest in the last 30 years. The two higher figures (1993 and 2000) were on occasions when both ties were played at Wembley.