ENGLISH FA CUP/Quarter-final replay: Despite all the affection felt for this venerable old trophy, one cannot help thinking that the greatest high Arsenal experienced on Saturday was not sparked by Dennis Bergkamp's midday masterclass that propelled his team into their fourth FA Cup semi-final in five years.
The result that really mattered clattered over the vidi-printer a few hours later, confirming that Manchester United had lost. Arsenal were suddenly evens favourites to win the Premiership title. That was an unexpected bonus on a day that shone bright for Arsenal after the cloud of Turin. They are on course for Arsene Wenger's second double in four years.
Arsenal's chances of winning it have certainly been improved by Tony Adams's return from injury and the completion of Thierry Henry's suspension. But Robert Pires has become a concern.
The Frenchman's contribution has been central to Arsenal's season, but he twisted his knee on Saturday and is expected to know today, after seeing a specialist, the extent of the damage. The player himself is hopeful: "I have had this injury before and I was back after three games," he said.
Of greater concern will be Pires's words on French radio. "I don't know if I will stay or whether I am going to have the chance of knowing a bigger club than Arsenal," he is reported as saying. "We will see after the World Cup."
Wenger is used to such speculation, but Pires's departure would be a massive blow. He was prominent early on, helping Arsenal to go 2-0 up within nine minutes.
But the most obvious difference between the sides was the majestic Bergkamp, his touch, timing and vision gloriously back in tune. He ran the show on Saturday, scoring one, setting up another and hitting the woodwork twice.
"Maybe if I'd played all the games this season we'd be 12 points clear," he joked afterwards.
In the first minute, Bergkamp fed a sublime pass straight into the path of Pires, who bent a first-time right-foot shot inside the post.
On nine minutes Pires set up the unmarked Bergkamp for a simple sidefoot home. Sol Campbell added the third just after half-time, heading in a free-kick from, yes, Bergkamp.
Guardian Service.
ARSENAL: Wright, Luzhny, Adams, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Vieira, Edu (Jeffers 69), Pires (Grimandi 27), Wiltord (Dixon 77), Bergkamp.Subs Not Used: Seaman, Kanu. Booked: Campbell. Goals: Pires 2, Bergkamp 9, Campbell 50.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Distin (Elliott 84), Solano, Acuna (Kerr 83), Dyer, Laurent Robert, Laurent Robert, Shearer, Cort (Lua-Lua 84). Subs Not Used: Harper, Bernard. Booked: Dyer.
Referee: U Rennie (Sheffield).
