FA Cup Final 2005 - Arsenal Vs Manchester United (DVD)

...top 10 goals of that FA Cup, and Dennis Bergkamp's Cup record.

I enjoyed the build-up to the match, and seeing how Manchester United did in the earlier rounds. It was also nice to get a replay of Arsenal's victories! Both teams struggled in some of the earlier matches, so that it wasn't just a procession of wins. Man U almost suffered a giant-killing! The music was appropriately dramatic.

The match itself wasn't fantastic, ...
...seems hard to believe that Man U didn't win. Arsenal had few chances and never really managed to get together the passing game they are known for. Jens Lehmann was Arsenal's hero, with Freddie Ljungberg also making a clearance off the line. Maybe it would have been different and Arsenal would have been a bit more attacking if not for the injury to Thierry Henry, which meant he watched from the stands.

This being a Man U-Arsenal match, ... more

This DVD contains the full-length game, including extra time and penalties, as well as all the build-up and how Arsenal and Manchester United performed in earlier rounds. On the second disc, it had a review of all the earlier matches. Bonus features included the top 10 goals of that FA Cup, and Dennis Bergkamp's Cup record.

I enjoyed the build-up to the match, and seeing how Manchester United did in the earlier rounds. It was also nice to get a replay of Arsenal's victories! Both teams struggled in some of the earlier matches, so that it wasn't just a procession of wins. Man U almost suffered a giant-killing! The music was appropriately dramatic.

The match itself wasn't fantastic, and I would have prefered other commentators. Waching it, it seems hard to believe that Man U didn't win. Arsenal had few chances and never really managed to get together the passing game they are known for. Jens Lehmann was Arsenal's hero, with Freddie Ljungberg also making a clearance off the line. Maybe it would have been different and Arsenal would have been a bit more attacking if not for the injury to Thierry Henry, which meant he watched from the stands.

This being a Man U-Arsenal match, there were a few fouls, but it wasn't a dirty or violent game. Jose Antonio Reyes was sent off in the last minute of extra time for repeated offences, and several other players picked up yellow cards. But overall I think the referee did a good job, often playing advantage.

The commentators, being English, were very enthusiastic about Rooney and spent some time marvelling at his skill. I know he is a good player, but I would have prefered that they also talked about a few other players!

In the end, the match went to extra-time and then penalties. Lehmann saved from Paul Scholes to give Arsenal the victory. I was disappointed they didn't show more of the celebrations, or more post match interviews with the players.

Overall, this wasn't a good enough game that I would recommend it to anyone. If you want to see Arsenal winning their last bit of silverware for two years, then get it but be prepared for a defensive performance. 

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