Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watches over his side during the Semi-Final against Blackburn.
'It was a fantastic day'
By Ben Hunt. Saturday, 16 April 2005.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger praised his side's resolve as the Gunners beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in The FA Cup Semi-Final at Cardiff.
The Frenchman felt Arsenal dealt with the tough-tackling tactics employed by Rovers well.
"We kept great focus on the game and never lost our nerve," Wenger told the BBC, "for a young team, that was remarkable."
Wenger confessed that he did not feel comfortable until Robin van Persie's strike in the 86th minute put Arsenal two up and booked their place in the Final.
"We got a narrow lead in the first half and then controlled it quite well but overall there were not too many chances.
"I was concerned until we got the second goal but high commitment can change things. It is a fantastic day for us," he added.
Meanwhile midfield hero Gilberto, who marshalled the Gunners midfield superbly, says he doesn't mind who wins tomorrow's second Semi-Final between Manchester United and Newcastle, believing the Gunners are ready for anyone in the Final.
He said: "It doesn’t matter who we play against, it will be a great Final and we will want to win it. Everybody wants to play in the Final and I think it will be fantastic.
"Let’s wait and see who wins tomorrow, we will see what is going to happen. I don’t mind which team we play, Manchester United or Newcastle. Both are great teams and we will be ready for either of them."