Arsenal, Double winners!!!!

Having already secured their third successive league title with a 2 -0 victory over Charlton Athletic on April 13th, Arsenal Ladies went into today's FA cup final against Leeds United with an impressive double in their sights.

Victory never looked to be in doubt. After just three minutes Julie Fleeting headed Arsenal into a one nil lead. By the time the half time whistle had sounded it was 3 - 0 to the Gunners courtesy of another Fleeting goal and a curled Rachel Yankey a free-kick sailing sublimely into the top corner.

With a three nil lead at half time the contest was as good as over, but they hadn't finished yet. The second half produced two more goals (both falling to Arsenal) with Kelly Smith scoring from the spot with pinpoint precision (It is no exaggeration to say "this was a perfect penalty"). Lianne Sanderson then slotting home to make it five nil to the Arsenal. In truth the match could have run into double figures due to the amount of chances the team created but I'm sure they will have been more than happy to settle for a fantastic five nil final score.

This seasons double triumph leaves Arsenal Ladies with seven FA cups and Eight league tittles in their ever expanding trophy cabinet, there is also eight league cups to add to that. Not bad at all.

Incidentally, the final league table makes for very pleasant reading with Arsenal in pole position and Chelsea propping up the rest at the very bottom. Who knows, maybe next year the Men's table will be as pleasant to look at.

Hopefully this will not be the last silverware lifted by an Arsenal (Senior) team this year with the European champions league tittle up for grabs and only Barcelona standing in the way of glory. But we will just have to wait and see. Till then Congratulations to the Arsenal Ladies and roll on May 17th..... Fingers crossed.