E.ON Great Saves No.8: David Seaman
FA Cup semi-final, April 13, 2003
Arsenal were overwhelming favourites to defeat First Division Sheffield United and reach a third successive FA Cup final. But the Gunners were given a stern test at Old Trafford and in the end were indebted to the brilliance of David Seaman for securing their place at Wembley
Freddie Ljungberg (35)
FA Cup semi-final,
April 13, 2003
Old Trafford,
Referee: Graham Poll,
Att: 59, 170
Sheffield United fought valiantly after going behind to Freddie Ljungberg's controversial first half goal and seemed certain to snatch a shock equaliser six minutes from time as the ball found Paul Peschisolido inside the six-yard box with the goal gaping.
The Blades striker directed his header seemingly away from the clutches of David Seaman but the Arsenal goalkeeper shot out his right arm and somehow managed to prevent the ball from crossing the line before incredibly clawing it away to safety.
United were stunned as their chances of causing an upset were ended in that one remarkable moment. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel later labelled it the greatest save he had ever seen.
Key Figures
David Seaman
The 39-year-old Gunners stopper belied his advancing years to produce arguably his greatest ever save. It was all the more sweeter for Seaman, as it came in his 1000th career match and proved he was not past his sell-by date just yet.
Paolo Peschisolido
The Blades striker did everything right when the ball found its way to him in the box via the foot of Carl Asaba. He directed his header on target and away from Seaman but could only look on in horror as the ageing Arsenal keeper prevented the ball from crossing the line before scooping it away.
Did You Know...?
When Seaman moved from QPR to Arsenal in 1990, the fee of £1.3million was a British record for a goalkeeper.
Seaman's favourite film as a youngster was Kes. He's also a big fan of Oliver and all the Bond films.
Seaman had his infamous ponytail cut off live on GMTV in November 2005 to raise money for the Bobby Moore Cancer Fund.
What Happened Next
Seaman captained Arsenal at Wembley in the absence of the injured Patrick Vieira and led his team to a 1-0 victory over Southampton. It would prove to be Seaman's 564th and last game for the Gunners as he departed for Manchester City in the summer before hanging up his boots in January 2004 at the age of 40.
This season E.ON is celebrating Great Saves - great energy saves at home and great goalkeeping saves on the pitch. To win an exciting range of football prizes, with everything from signed shirts to a set of four family tickets at the FA Cup final go to eongreatsaves
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