Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers
The FA Cup, Semi-Final
16 April 2005, 12.15
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff



Patrick Vieira has already won The FA Cup three times for Arsenal and played 46 games in the competition, but he will still be the key man when the Gunners take on Blackburn.

In fact, Captain Vieira is the driving force behind Arsenal's midfield and the fulcrum of their remarkable success.

While Thierry Henry provides the goals and the glamour, Vieira is the man who makes it all happen - and the man capable of grabbing a game by the scruff of the neck and turning it in Arsenal's favour.

There's little doubt he will be a major player for Arsenal in The FA Cup Semi-Final at Cardiff on Saturday, and it is clear he is still highly motivated by the prospect of lifting Cup number four.

The French international said: "I've said before how much this competition means to me. We've enjoyed such success in The FA Cup while I've been at the club that some of my fondest memories at Arsenal surround this competition.

"The FA Cup is a competition I look forward to each year, it's one of the biggest trophies around. The passion from the fans makes every game so exciting and of course if you can go all the way you are rewarded with a tremendous day in Cardiff for the Final."

Arsenal hope to have two tremendous days in Cardiff this year, of course - starting with Saturday. And Vieira's driving runs from midfield and his personal battle with the likes of Garry Flitcroft will be crucial to the final result.

If Vieira is on form then Arsenal play well - and as captain it's hard to imagine him falling short of his high standards for one of the biggest matches of the season.