On this day in 2001, Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1 at home in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Gunners had already beaten Carlisle United 1-0 and smashed QPR 6-0 but Chelsea, even then, were tougher opponents.

Fortunately, a penalty from Thierry Henry and late brace by Sylvain Wiltord sealed the well-fought win, despite Chelsea’s goal in the 62nd minute through Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Arsenal went on to face and beat Blackburn 3-0 in the next round before winning against Spurs (2-1) in the semi-final.

Unfortunately, despite making the final, we lost to Liverpool in Cardiff 2-1.

It wasn’t a fantastic season by that Arsenal squad’s standards. We got knocked out of the League Cup by Ipswich Town and finished second in the Premiership, 10 points behind Manchester United.

We also got dumped out of the Champions League by Valencia despite the two legs ending 2-2 on aggregate because of that wily away goal rule.

Fortunately, the following season was a lot better. Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-0 in the FA Cup final and we won the Premier League, finishing seven points ahead of Liverpool in second.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwJWdevwVLY