The different routes to the FA Cup Final

Arsenal and Southampton meet today for English football's showpiece occasion, the FA Cup final

Arsenal and Southampton meet today for English football's showpiece occasion, the FA Cup final. Takes a look at how each side reached the Millennium Stadium.

ARSENAL

ARSENAL 2 Oxford 0 (Third round) - In a game that was something of a mismatch, Dennis Bergkamp broke the deadlock after only 15 minutes. However, they had to rely on Oxford's Scott McNiven's own goal in the 67th minute to seal victory after letting their foot slip off the gas.

Farnborough 1 ARSENAL 5 (Fourth round) - Farnborough put up a brave fight, but they were never likely to stop the reigning Premiership champions in a match played at Highbury at the request of the Conference side, who had been drawn at home. Sol Campbell scored in the 19th minute before Francis Jeffers hit a brace. Rocky Baptiste gave the minnows something to cheer but Bergkamp made it 4-1 in the 74th minute while Lauren capped a professional display.

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Manchester United 0 ARSENAL 2 (Fifth round) - The clash of the round by a long way, Arsenal followed up last year's title win at Old Trafford with a hard-earned win. Brazilian midfielder Edu opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Sylvain Wiltord made the game safe in the 52nd minute before Sir Alex Ferguson infamously lost his rag in the changing room afterwards, kicking a football boot in frustration, which hit David Beckham in the face.

ARSENAL 2 Chelsea 2 (Quarter-final) - Arsene Wenger's grip on the FA Cup looked to be slipping when John Terry gave London rivals Chelsea the lead early on but the Frenchman did not have long to wait as Jeffers and Henry put the home side ahead before half-time. Chelsea claimed a replay though with a late, scrappy Frank Lampard equaliser.

Chelsea 1 ARSENAL 3 (Quarter-final replay) - Terry again broke the deadlock, this time scoring an own goal to give Arsenal an advantage they never relinquished. Wiltord made it 2-0 before Terry redeemed himself with what turned out to be a consolation. Lauren sealed it with a minute to go.

ARSENAL 1 Sheffield United 0 (Semi-final) - The First Division Blades gave as good as they got and gave Arsenal a genuine scare. Freddie Ljungberg scored the only goal in the 34th minute amid controversy with Wayne Allison claiming a foul and Michael Tonge involved in a crucial collision with referee Graham Poll. David Seaman was the Gunners' hero with a world-class save late on from Paul Peschisolido.

SOUTHAMPTON

SOUTHAMPTON 4 Tottenham 0 (Third round) - Glenn Hoddle's return to the south coast was an unhappy one with the Saints squad he helped build hitting top gear. Michael Svensson started the ball rolling in the 13th minute while Jo Tessem scored 10 minutes into the second half, with Anders Svensson and James Beattie sealing a fine Southampton victory.

SOUTHAMPTON 1 Millwall 1 (Fourth round) - Southampton's FA Cup run almost ended at the second hurdle. Steve Claridge put the First Division side ahead after 17 minutes and Strachan breathed a huge sigh of relief when Kevin Davies levelled in injury-time.

Millwall 1 SOUTHAMPTON 2 (Fourth round replay) - Millwall again pushed Southampton all the way, equalising through Steven Reid after Matthew Oakley had given the Premiership men a 21st-minute lead. Saints needed extra-time to progress, with Oakley again their goal-scoring hero.

SOUTHAMPTON 2 Norwich 0 (Fifth round) - Another First Division side stood in Southampton's way and again they made hard work of it. Eventually Strachan's side did break down the plucky Canaries, Anders Svensson scoring after 71 minutes before Tessem doubled that lead three minutes later.

SOUTHAMPTON 2 Wolves 0 (Quarter-final) - Chris Marsden broke down Wolves in the 56th minute to end Southampton on their way to a semi-final and extinguish the hopes of another Nationwide League side. Wolves defender Paul Butler confirmed Southampton's progress with an own goal nine minutes from the end.

SOUTHAMPTON 2 Watford 1 (Semi-final) - Brett Ormerod announced his arrival in the big time with the opening goal at Villa Park before in-form strike partner James Beattie's physical presence forced Paul Robinson to concede an own goal. Marcus Gayle's late strike was too little too late for Watford.