Football: F A Cup Final: Seven Goals in a Week for Owen the Millennium Man ; Hyypia the Saviour as Houllier Gets Happier and Happier

Beginning of article

MICHAEL OWEN two, Sami Hyypia three. Those were the bare and decisive statistics at the end of a final which confirmed the Cup's enduring ability to flatter, deceive and, belatedly, very belatedly, to entrance. No one could have even guessed at the climax when Arsenal, deservedly, went ahead through Freddie Ljungberg 18 minutes from time. That, in the context of a disappointingly sterile first hour, was surely that. Arsenal, not even the flimsier vintage, could concede the honours now.

But any competition which can choreograph Wycombe Wanderers' appearance in the semi-finals boasts an endearing sense of mischief. And no side which has a goalscorer of Michael Owen's …