The FA Cup Show The FA Cup

Hello. Good afternoon to you. Welcome to Wembley. Thousands of

Chelsea and Arsenal fans are heading down Wembley way for the 2017

Emirates FA Cup final. If you don't have a ticket, sit back, relax and

enjoy the very best build-up right here on the FA Cup Show.

In the next few minutes, the remarkable stories of those who

competed in the FA People's Cup. I had aprehelpings, I thought hang on,

I can coach a team, but to coach a deaf team, I was nervous. The highs

and lows of the road to Wembley set to music. # FA Cup final, no

friendly... And an exclusive interview with Arsene Wenger ahead

of what could be his last match in charge at Arsenal. I believe it's a

difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that a

human being don't deserve to be treated. I will never forget that.

We look at some of the top football comedy sketches through history. To

me, there's nothing worse than a fake fan. Well, things to do. Nice

to have met you. And of course the main event on air at 4. 15pm with

highlights for those of you who like to relive it with me at 11. 35pm.

And here we are walking up Wembley way with the Arsenal and the Chelsea

fans, a gorgeous day here at Wembley. The one thing you have to

say about this, this really is one of the great days in British sport.

Lots of fans just walking up, having a drink and a burger. What you need

are two former athletes, former athletes! Look at them, talking into

a burger! You have only been retired a few years. Ladies and gentlemen,

caught eating chips! Pat, Nevin, fresh from winning. I am delighted

about that. You have been doing it for how long? Forever, exactly.

Actually it was me that was having the chips there, apologies. Good

start to the day for me and for the Chelsea fans here they're really

excited about it, up for it. It's a stunning day. The weather is exactly

the way you want it. It's really boiling, but I think that's more to

do with sitting here behind me. But the players won't care. What is

interesting today is that yes there are fans here from Chelsea and from

Arsenal just down the road effectively but fans have been here

since early this morning. This is a match with a lot of anticipation for

these fans. Definitely. You remember soaking up the atmosphere, getting

there early, the sun is always out on the day and why don't you get as

much out of it as you can. When you saw Chelsea in September did you

honestly think that Antonio Conte's side would be going for the double?

I knew of his history but no chance in the world did you think that. The

primary thought in most Chelsea's fans heads was, you know, the era of

Cech, Lampard and Terry, Drogba, finishing now. Will it come back?

Finishing 10th in the league. Nine months later and suddenly a

possibility of a double. There is no way that any Chelsea fan thought

there was any chance of that. The big fear is dropping back a long

way, because a lot of other teams, City, United, Liverpool, Everton,

Spurs all getting strong again. In many ways this could easily have

been, it's obvious to say, this could have been a Manchester City

and Spurs final. But for Chelsea when you look at what's happened

over the last couple of weeks or so, now they have to focus on a Cup

final, how easy to do that? It's the FA Cup final, it's a huge day but

when you have won the league and have been celebrating and you also

have had a few games in between winning where the importance isn't

as high, it's really important that you get back on it and refocus and

get into the Cup final early. I promised myself I wouldn't mention

this but you were unlucky when it came to FA Cups, you were part of

the squad but never played? Why did you mention that! It's one of those

things you want to forget. Disappointing for me, played in a

lot of the early rounds and for one reason or another injuries, maybe

mainly. The last time it was a really bad injury. I have always

missed out on a Cup final day, always been here having a burger!

Look at that, fine tailoring you are in. Who is going to win today?

Chelsea are favourites. Big favourites. But it's not going to be

a walkover. This is not... Arsenal are a good side, on good form. It's

been a good run they've had in the league since they changed to that

3-4-3. It's tight, if Chelsea and Arsenal play to their best, I still

suspect Chelsea will win but it will be tighter than people are

suggesting. Every former Arsenal player we have had in the studio on

Final Score and Match of the Day, I have tried so hard, incredibly hard,

and on live radio to find out what the inside track is. Here goes. Any

news on Arsene Wenger, is this his last game? Don't know. Even if he

knew he is not telling us. If you want my opinion, I think no. I think

he will stay. But it's a bit of... It's a 50-50 chance of getting it

right, I guess. Thank you. God bless you, thank you very much. There you

are, you can have that, that's yours! You are just going for the

tea. By the way, we want to you get involved here today on social media,

on Twitter, on Facebook. Let us know how you are getting ready for the

big FA Cup final. Use the hashtag BBC football. There is the best one

so far. Look at the lovely pictures. Lots of you getting involved.

Much more from us to come in half an hour after we remind ourselves of

the magic of this year's FA People's Cup.

It's the FA People's Cup Finals Day here in Birmingham and we are

welcoming teams from all over the country. 40,000 people have been

whipped down to just 672. Everyone is hoping to get their hands on the

prestigious People's Cup trophy. It's a trip to Wembley for the FA

Cup final. We are praying that this day would

happen. It's hard to get to the finals and such a big prize. It

gives regular people a chance on the big stage. Words can't describe it.

We are nervous. We are going to do this and go back with the trophy. We

worked hard for each other. Heads up, positive attitude. Who needs a

day of revision when we can go to Wembley! Let's go boys! Come on!

This is the FA People's Cup. Welcome to the finals of the FA

People's Cup. Forget the professionals for now, this is the

tournament that gives ordinary people like you and me the chance to

play in our version of the FA Cup. This year, 40,000 of you signed up

to take part. Playing in categories based on age, gender and ability.

Matches were held in football centres all over the country. With

teams whittled down through two intense rounds of action. Only the

best have made it all the way through to the national finals in

Birmingham. People's Cup glory is within reach. Their prize, walking

out on to the pitch at Wembley during half-time at the FA Cup final

to collect their trophy. If you can walk out at Wembley on FA Cup final

day, it's something anybody would look forward to. To have a chance to

win, a great incentive to play. It's the ultimate prize, going on the

pitch at Wembley. I have supported Arsenal and never been to a game and

so to get tickets to go there would be nice. Excellent. So the stakes

are high. Here is what you can expect from the next 30 minutes of

action. Match of the Day's Trevor Sinclair

tries his hand at walking football. One of the boys' teams enjoys a

training session with the England under-21s. And Arsenal star Alex

Scott meets a women's football pioneer hoping for People's Cup

glory. There's me, that one with all the hair. The People's Cup has

incredible teams with a passion for football. None more so than the deaf

Rhinos who I met in Manchester. I had aPremiership hengss, I thought

hang on I can coach able-bodied team but I was nervous, I thought I

couldn't do this. I don't know sign language. You are doing it with your

hands, with your eyes, your smile. I thought OK, when you coach football

you demonstrate. Let's try it. The People's Cup has been fantastic for

our club and the players that took part. It gave them an opportunity to

play in an FA organised tournament. They played against teams that are

at a high level they're used to, to improve their football, it's

improved their game. On pitch number 6 Deaf Rhinos. Well done! We played

really well. Played good teams. We surprised ourselves that we beat

them and we reached the semifinal. Our boys played really well, we just

about missed out. Well done boys. They were disappointed, yes, but

within minutes we realised how far we have come and how much we enjoyed

the day. The disappointment went out the window and we started

celebrating how much we have achieved. The memories they've took

they'll never forget and the exposure we got on the day was

fantastic. From there, we have already had inquiries from players,

I thought wow, deaf players exist, I want to join them. As a club, we are

more well-known. It's great to know even though the

Deaf Rhinos didn't make it to the finals their involvement has been so

successful. Behind me right now is the disability Premiership final.

England CP captain Jack is with me right now. There's been a massive

cheer, what's happened? They've won the ball inside the half and smashed

it in the back of the net. A second goal now. It's 2-0. 2-0 to Exeter at

the moment. What have you made of the action here this weekend? It's

been brilliant. Really impressed by the standard of it. And how

competitive it is. How much everyone is enjoying it. It's really good to

see because obviously the opportunity to lift the trophy at

Wembley is every person's dream, in my opinion. It's nice everyone gets

the opportunity to do that. Even the ones who don't, will still say

they've had a fantastic time in the People's Cup dream. 4-1. Exeter

champions. What a game. Champions! I would like to thank

everyone involved with disability football in general, because it's

like ladies football, it's growing. The more people get involved and are

aware it's great. Thanks to everyone for helping boost disability

football because we are no different to anyone else and we all have

issues and stuff, it's great everyone is involved.

Really pleased that we got to this stage. And produced the goods to

win. I am very proud of them. They deserve to be in the final. I am

very happy myself. I am chuffed for the lads, we have lads that have

never been part of a team before, to be part of a team and winning

something like this is massive. They'll remember if for the rest of

their lives. When it comes to sport there really

are no barriers. And that definitely goes for age as well. The walking

football category bears the older player in mind and our own veteran

Trevor Sinclair has been taking a closer look. I am in my mid-40s,

believe it or not, I am here in Berkshire, there is is team inside

ready to train and I am going to join them.

Great to meet you. And you too. What initially appealed to you about

walking football? It gets people involved, maybe it could be an age

thing, you know, they can't run as well as they used to. You have to be

over 50 to play. Also it can be injury that restricts you from

playing running football. I know from experience because I have had

five knee operations. I had my spine unzipped 13 years ago and then

recently in the last couple of years I have got an arthritic hip. I

didn't think I would play football again but walking football, whether

it's in goal or playing on the pitch it gives you that ability where you

can still be competitive. And I will do that until my body says you can't

do any more. This has given us the ability to

compete against players of our own ability. We can't keep playing until

our 70s. We have been training against younger people and players

every Monday to make it tougher for ourselves. Before the game starts,

without stating the obvious, what are the differences between walking

and normal football? Obviously you can't run. The ball can't go

overhead height. There are no sliding tackles. You can't go to

ground. I'm quite pleased about that because I got some rough treatment

when I was playing. I might get through this game! I was tempted to

run with it there. That's pathetic! Take that all-day long. She's

vicious. You've got to be so alert. Don't watch the eyes, keeper. How

would you compare that to normal football? It's tough.

Cardiovascular, got a good sweat on. Thoroughly fed my appetite for

football, the Angles, touches, the weight of pass, shooting, slotting

in a penalty, giving the keeper the eyes. That's me spent. Better let

these guys recover for the finals. Look forward to getting involved in

this in a few years, when I get 50. What a strike!

You see the quality is a lot better at this stage of the competition.

What a strike! , three what a finish. 2-0 up and looking

good for the final now. Big mistake. Can Birmingham get back in this? You

can sense a bit of urgency now. Can't concede in the last minutes.

Oh! Penalties it is. Good timing. Great penalty, well done. World,

boys. The awaits. See you in the final. We will be back with the

Wokingham laps later to see how they got on in the final. The most

popular category in the people's FA Cup is the adults men. Just six

remain. These guys must be pretty decent.

And those six were down to the last two in a final that didn't lack in

ferocity and controversy, with a disputed goal handing Stafford

-based Woolpack united the trophy. We knew it would be tough but we

never thought who would come this far and win the final. It was a

really tough game, but credit to the lads who worked so hard through the

day. Going to Wembley, stepping out on the pitch and getting your

trophy. Amazing feeling. Doesn't get much better than that. I might have

to book the day off work! Sorry. Juggling the 9-5 routine with the FA

People's Cup can be difficult. On a Monday night we have a massive

session. We do 7-11 girls, and then the mums join in as well. Instead of

just standing around for an hour, they run around. We have a lot of

equipment tonight, nearly 16 people coming. She Can Play is about girls

and women coming together and playing football, regardless of your

ability, size and age. Last year I saw the FA Cup for people advertised

on Twitter. My heart was going grimly got through to the final.

They scored in the last 20 seconds and we were devastated. The FA

People's Cup has literally provided a platform for me to coach. It

basically pushed me into doing it. I love it. I can't think of my life

now without it. It's made me realise sport isn't about being really good

or playing all your life being skilful. It's about having fun. We

laugh, every single week we come and enjoy it. That's the important

thing. That and when in! The kids have their activities and the

parents have their activities, but this is fantastic to go together and

I feel closer to my girls. We get to learn how girls can play football

and not the boys all the time. Anybody can get up and off the couch

and get out and play. There should be no barriers. Especially showing

young girls that there should be no barriers to sport. What greater role

model for us? We finished the mums only and girls only training and we

are heading over to the She Can Play team. Cat drives us and she so

dedicated. She teaches everybody from kids who are little to their

mums. The dream of the FA People's Cup is to take the trophy to

Wembley. I felt like we should have done that in 2016. We will be coming

back with a vengeance this year and we will not leave until the cup is

in our hands with She Can Play on it. Although She Can Play made it to

the finals weekend with 11 victories behind them, they failed to match up

to the standard in Birmingham and finished on the table. Hard to put

into words. Struggled a little bit and didn't get off to the best of

starts, but the competition this year has been unbelievable. Credit

to the teams that have gone through. They are really good teams.

The final two teams out of the dozens that entered. Our you

feeling? Relative order the game, may the best team win. Absolutely

buzzing. Hopefully we can come away with the trophy. -- really looking

forward to the game. Wicked deflection. Plymouth take the

lead. WHISTLE It was a long journey here,

especially hard work, today with the games, but it's really nice to lift

the trophy. Finals weekend brings together players from across the

country. For many it means a long journey that gives yourself plenty

of time to get in the right frame of mind. We have the Sheffield

University higher education guys. I have the two team captains with me.

Will, what's your team name and tell me about them bastion yellow we are

Crowns FC, named after the memory of our favourite takeaway in Sheffield

that shut down. We are Wockey FC FC. We also play women's hockey. We

decided to dabble in football. Do you show up wearing gum shields and

things to freak people out? That would help us, but sadly not. Not

only am I finding out about your team, I also wanted to find out if I

could help get you psyched up for The People's Club through music. You

guys have suggested some songs. I have it on good authority that Sam

Sparro's Black And Gold is a good tune for you. Because you play in

black and gold. One of the suggestions that came through from

Crowns FC is Stormzy. We have number one fan boy sat at the back. He's

inspirational and gets you in the zone. That's what we're hearing. The

best suggestion and the only suggestion worth talking about is

mine. Because in football, it's important to close down defenders,

some might say shut them down. See where I'm going? You've got to shut

down the players! I think it's a great choice!

With my tracks ringing in their ears, the Sheffield University teams

started their people's cup final campaign. Sadly the boys were shut

down in the group stages, but the hockey girls did the black and gold

crowd making it all the way to the first higher education final. --

black and gold proud. Wockey FC held their nerve, with their goalkeeper

Fiona small making this great save to secure the victory. Look at us,

all in our hockey kit. Wockey FC, what's going on? It's going to be a

once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don't think I will ever forget it.

We are so excited for the big day. Amazing. This tournament offers

teams amazing opportunities both on and off the pitch. It's fair to say

I'm pretty jealous of this next one. We are the London elite youth. We

have a bus full of players who managed to get the day off school to

go to St James' Park to meet some of the U21 players and see the

fantastic facilities. They are big role models. Everybody in the team

wants to become a professional footballer. It's a one-time

opportunity. Even if none of us make it, we can carry it with us, we have

trained with England. Initially thinking it would be a two and a

half hour journey for five minutes meet and greet and the England U21

boys would come past, signs and pictures and be off. To see them

exceeded our expectations. Your team against my team.

I've really enjoyed today. I have come to meet people I have idolised

and looked up to. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah,

great people to be with. I've enjoyed it. It's been a really good

day. The overall winners in the boy's category were from Humberside.

A crucial penalty stop by the goalkeeper Ronnie helped them to a

thrilling 4-3 victory. We were the underdogs. We kept going and saw it

through. In the girl's competition, the goal-scoring prowess of

midfielder Becky fired her team to victory. Her hat-trick in the final

meant the Norfolk side past their People's Cup examination with good

grades. I'm doing GCSEs at the moment. It will be such a nice

stadium and we will all enjoy it. To watch the highlights all of the

finals at the People's Cup, head to the get inspired website. To people,

winning the actual FA Cup isn't enough. They want to win the

People's Cup as well. Back at your school again. Back at the school

where we used to train in the good old days. We used to warm up outside

buying doing a two mile run up and down the road. It's changed since I

have been here. Just like the women's game. And it has definitely

changed for the better. Really good. How did you get involved in

football? My dad used to take me to the part in the pram to watch

football at the age of about two months. As soon as I was old enough

to kick a ball I was in the back garden doing that. What would you

say were the male attitudes towards football? It was never looked upon

as though it should be a sport females should play. We didn't get

the opportunities girls get nowadays to play football. In fact it was

discouraged and in my opinion that was very poor. Women's football,

still people find it hard to accept because they think it's a joke. I

rated very highly otherwise I wouldn't be doing this job with

Southampton. My dad eventually introduced me to a women's team.

There were no female youth teams in those days. No youth teams?! At the

age of 12 I was in at the deep end with women aged 25 and 30. The first

time I played I broke two knuckles. It didn't discourage me.

But the dream was there because you got to play in a women's FA Cup

final. I did. 1981. Yeah, a long time ago. We played against St

Helens at the rugby club. I found something special for us to watch.

Really? We will see. Footage from the final. Oh, wow!

Yeah. It was Southampton's 10th appearance

in the last 11 finals. Our leading goal scorer, Pat. That's a great

finish. It is, yeah. A very good player. Nothing to do with me! There

we are with the Cup. There is me! That one, yeah. All that hair! You

are holding the trophy. Yeah, haven't seen that probably since

1981, to be honest. What are the memories that you remember from that

day? I think walking out was the first memory that I can recall. We

walked out to 3,000 people which was unheard of for us. We used to get 20

or 30 at a game of football. We had a lot of people on our side. It was

a memory that will live with me forever.

It was a great day for us, we got through the regional finals, we were

unfortunate to get knocked out in the semifinal which is

disappointing, 1-0. We got over it and said next year we are all going

to do it again. We loved the experience and we loved the day up

there. You can't wait for next year? We can't. We are in training already

now. When I retire is there a place for me on the team? Yes. Absolutely,

yes. I will hold you to it. You will be first on the team sheet, don't

tell the rest of the girls that one. The secret is safe with me!

Earlier, Trevor Sinclair watched on as Wokingham reached the walking

final. Could the boys in blue land the trophy? A few stiff limbs, I

think. Massive reward, though. A great save.

A cynical foul there. Ready to pull the trigger.

Oh! Blue card. Sin-bin. He is off. Two minutes that is. Can they make

that extra player pay now? Oh, back in the game!

Oh, what a goal! 2-1 up. Looks like it could be in.

Oh, that's got to be the winner. 3-1 Wokingham. There it is. Well done

boys. Well done. What's your taking on the walking football phenomenon?

To stop playing for years and you can still work on the game and enjoy

it. A word on the people's Cup? Brilliant. Millions of people play

football and this is for them, it gives everyone the opportunity to

lift the trophy at Wembley. Come on!

So that is it. The FA People's cup finals are over. The 16 champions

have all been crowned and in a few short hours the captains will be

walking out on to the pitch during half-time at the FA Cup final to

collect their trophy. What an epic prize. We will see you again next

year. To be part of a group it's massive

for these guys and I am sure we will have sa fantastic day at Wembley. We

haven't been together long, I am proud of them. Bringing back a

trophy, everyone will be proud of us. Don't know what to say, I am

really happy. It's unbelievable. It's a dream.

It's one of the greatest sporting arenas in the world and we are going

to lift a trophy there! Welcome back to the FA Cup Show.

Very hot here at Wembley today! And look who is here, some of the

finalists from the People's Cup. Graham, what was it like, what

experience was it? Walking football for me. Obviously, a damaging

experience, but one that I gratefully appreciated. It enabled

me to play football again, over 50, at a time when I thought football

was finished Fosh me. -- for me. Superb experience. It looks bad, how

painful? This was a detached tendon in the semifinal. Penalty shoot-out.

I didn't know at the time. Played the final, in a lot of pain, but at

the end of the day the adrenalin kicks in, you know, you play on

until the final whistle and we won. Really pleased. Amazing. Paul is fit

and well, you are looking very fit today. How much are you looking

forward to the Cup final? Yeah, really looking forward to it. I

don't really support the teams playing but I am sure it will be a

good game. What's your team? Liverpool. Relieved to be in the

Champions League, I tell you. But the experience, it must have been

amazing. Amazing. It's a brilliant effort from the team. What a

fantastic thing to come here and to have our name up on the screen there

was amazing. I have been inside Wembley and I can see your name on

the screen there. Rebecca, it must have been a wonderful experience,

when you started in the tournament did you expect to get that far?

Absolutely not. We have never played in a football tournament before. We

are hockey players. We thought we would give it a go, why not. We kept

surprising ourselves getting through rounds and winning the final on

penalties was unbelievable. After every round did you think this is

where it ends, we are not going to get to the final and win it? Yeah,

we thought we would be exposed at some point, the fact we can't play

much football but incredibly we won. It's a dream come true to be here

today. Who are you cheering for, who is your team? I support Manchester

United but I will be supporting Arsenal today. Dressed in red. The

only United fan I have ever met supporting Arsenal. Thank you very

much. Well done, Rebecca: Jason, magic tournament for you. Yeah, it

was fantastic. Just seeing everyone meeting people with another team,

what a great response and reaction from everyone. It was overwhelming

how passionate everyone was. And respectful as well, even when we

won, the other teams were just overwhelmingly friendly. It was

fantastic. The People's Cup offered a wide area for everyone to get

involved in football, rather than just one section. It's for everyone.

If you want to be involved in the People's Cup or have an opportunity

to come today to the final, then sign up for next year and get

involved. It's fantastic. Yeah. We have Rebecca there, who is a United

fan supporting Arsenal, I think you have an Arsenal shirt on. I have.

Yeah. No doubting his team. Been a fan all your life? Yeah, I love

Arsenal, used to live up here for a bit, as well. Used to see Charlie

George every day, I am hoping today they're going to not let me down.

It's a final, if it was a league game I would be wobbly-legged. Yeah,

we have a chance. Hopefully they can turn up today. Do you want Arsene

Wenger to stay? I want the club to be run correctly and I think that's

the board's job to cement that and he took a lot of abuse over the

season. The blame lies with the board at the end of the day. He has

done a fantastic job for us. Good luck to him and the team today.

Let's hope we get the result we want. Thank you all very much

indeed. You have been absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much. Well

done. Congratulations for the People's's Cup. Don't forget the

goal of the Cup competition is under way. We want to you choose your

favourite goal from this year's FA Cup. Go online and our pundits will

choose the winner later. It's also available via the sport website.

Plenty more to come this afternoon here on the FA Cup Show.

After more than 20 years, will Arsene Wenger bid farewell to

Arsenal after today? And it will make you laugh or

possibly cry. We look at the history of the football joke. Remember the

whole match live coming your way from 4. 15pm. Right now the highs

and lows of the 736 teams becoming two in this year's FA Cup. But with

the added bonus of music. Here is The Road to Wembley.

We all know where the road leads. History, glory, friendly. Wembley.

There is no blueprint for this, you can't plan for twists and turns.

Routes come with diversions. Past the floodlights. Stone cold winter

nights. The call to walk on WembleyWay starts in many places.

Fans in stands. And managers in dugouts. Chatter begins back in the

summer. All across the country this might be the one.

After all, we are overdue a Cup run. But imagine just to reach the start

line, seems so normal now. Premier League teams get to start at

half-way. Those lower down the ladder had to battle to get to the

first round proper. Many hurdles have been faced to get

to this destination, so welcome, welcome to your big day.

A reward for the regulars to celebrate and revel in the glory.

Some prime time in the highlights on Match of the Day. It's also a

potential place in the headlines for a top flight team whose nightmare is

the non-league dream. And all captured on the big screen.

Not everyone enjoys round one. This is where the professionals wait

nervously. They know this is treacherous ground

because the slips and the trips will be caught on camera. It's not always

a route on the night. Just ask Swindon Town. For many minnows it is

an end. But also west field, Stamford. Many memories to be

banked. : Rumour has it he got changed into his kit in the car on

the way down before scoring a hat-trick. Six floors down in

English football. And through to round two. The third round giant

stand on the horizon. Something didn't add up for Ashton.

3-0 up with ten minutes to play against Wimbledon. Still more than

enough time for Wimbledon to score four more.

This year we have been reminded of some of the magic the Cup provides.

Remember Sutton in 89. They conquered Coventry. I guess it's

time to update some upsets. Non-league Lincoln banished Oldham

Athletic who sit two divisions higher and Lincoln make a habit out

of punching above their weight. Remember the names. Remember the

faces. The road to Wembley awaits. This is where the dreams are

orchestrated. Christmas new year. Third round of

the Cup. Dates carved into the calendar. For some, it's a love-hate

relationship. # You think you know who I am

# But you don't have a clue # You ain't nothing but a stranger

#... We are seeing lots of clubs playing weakened teams. Nine

changes. Every team is making changes. Why would they not go for

it? Fans want to win trophies. # Your words may hurt for a while

# But after a while they can only make me stronger

# And I do the best that I can # But you keep bringing me down

# Don't you know I am only human # And I never said that I was

perfect... It's an incredible result in FA Cup history! # Everything that

you say and anything that you do... Liverpool have survived a bit

of a scare. # Liverpool crash out of the FA Cup at the 4th round stage. #

No matter, no matter how hard I try # I know in your eyes will never be

good enough #

Leicester and Derby must do it all again. We have to make changes, I

have people who can't make three games a week. If it was three

Championship games in a week and they were going for promotion, would

he play that side? I don't think he will.

# Anything you say and anything you do

# You try to hurt me. What a goal. Leicester City into the fifth round

of the FA Cup. Can he wrap it up? He shoots and

scores! When you performed so badly, you are potentially going to make

changes. # I run a little faster

# Scream a little louder. Does the FA Cup get the respect it deserves?

Take the competition seriously. # I run a little faster

# Scream a little louder. It's a winner forward Tom Wanderers. -- for

Wycombe Wanderers. The drama of the afternoon hasn't ended. Tottenham

have rescued it. Home doesn't go stumbling on. What an FA

Cup tie. # I use it as motivation. What if

the relationship is over. What if were living on memories. The club

isn't everything is absent of memories. Like Stanley Matthews

dashing down the wing. My grandad saw him in the flesh and I remember

him telling me how it seemed Stanley Matthews had the ball tied to his

shoestrings, the closest control. As he spoke it, I saw it. With the

clearest vision. His memory of what will now be a grainy picture given

to me in HD images. But Misty Romance can't compete with football

finance. Mid-table safety ain't sexy, but it pays. The excuses are

there. Always there, they'll never change. From Wednesday's league

games' points at stake, and so the cup becomes a drain instead of a

dream. What's all this about putting out a weakened team? See their cup,

it will always have an aroma of glory. That's why the fans remember

Ronnie Radford's rocket, Steven Gerrard's stunner and Ricky Villa's

run. We still remember those white suits. There is no cup for reaching

the top four. And the glory is ever so short. Nobody ever remembers the

years you were Champions League contenders, but the contentment of

cup glory is endless. Note open top bus parade for reaching the Europa

League, no T-shirt for beating the drop. What we need now are new

memories, new twists, hope that the cup spirit still persists. A

familiar melody set to a modern beat. And the greatest stories come

from unfamiliar tellers in unfamiliar places. And once upon a

time at Gander Green Lane, there was a little team who didn't know when

to stop. # Just say the word, we'll take on

the world. If football still has a place for dreamers, then Gander

Green Lane is that place. # I can see the pain in your eyes.

Believe me, and I have tried. We are going to have last gasp drama at

Gander Green Lane. And Roarie Deacon scores for Sutton United! It's

another historic day in the life of Sutton United football club. It will

be a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

# And just say the word # We'll take on the world. The

winning goal! The victory is sealed for Sutton United.

# Nobody knows you the way that I know you

# Look in my eyes, I will never desert you

# Just say the word, we'll take on the world.

# And it's the fight, the fight of our lives. It's a really good save.

Deacon hit that really well. Might be in here. Good save again. Sutton

United asking all the questions. The goalkeeper has come. Sutton claim a

penalty, and they've got it. # Never forget me, we're built to

last # Out of the shadows and into my

life. Jamie Collins of National League Sutton. Brilliantly

dispatched by the skipper. They've done it again. Sutton United are

into the last 16, further than they've ever been, eclipsing even

1989. Gander Green Lane goes mad. # Nobody knows you the way that I

know you # Look in my eyes, I'll never desert

you. Tonight the Arsenal players will certainly not be used to the

surroundings. This is a bit different, it's like a throwback.

It's the David and Goliath thing. It's gone all the way in. Lucas puts

Arsenal in front. # We'll fight... They are still in

this game. Get another chance in the second half. They've done well. 100

up for Theo Walcott in Arsenal red and white. Up goes Collins. Deacon

has smashed the bar. Nearly broke the bar. Sutton's adventure has come

to an end. Our will go through, but Sutton will keep the memory.

# Take on the world. Eventually the world kicked back.

But there is one whose faith took them further. There was a time when

a world looked up to Lincoln. Its cathedral was the peak, the pinnacle

of human existence. Its football team sits down the hill, never

ventured out of the valleys for long. But one man had led them

higher. The team aspired to reach the heights they hadn't seen since

back in the day. A moment's silence... For the third round

replay against Ipswich Town, for the manager Graham Taylor, passed away.

Before the game, a tribute. How well suited for Lincoln to reach the

fourth round now. A stage the team hadn't seen since Taylor was leading

the way. The Cowley brothers, proved a good fit. Lincoln City are

through! In the dying seconds, they looked out. The FA Cup 1978 winners.

-- they have knocked out the FA Cup 1978 winners. A win was tailor-made.

Or maybe even made for Taylor, little more than ten days later,

Lincoln faced Brighton. The Seagulls flying high and headed for the

Premier division. No contest for sure. The Seagulls forecast a flight

through clear skies but never foresaw the on coming onslaught.

It's all over for Brighton. They've only gone and done it. Lincoln City

boss Mike FA Cup adventure continues. On a special, special day

at Sincil Bank. The win meant the team would reach the last 16 for the

first time in 115 years. You see, the cup is a place for dream and

little Lincoln were dreaming big. The Imps had reached the 89th minute

against Burnley and were firmly in the mix. Headed back across goal.

And Lincoln City of non-league football, the National League, take

the lead at Premier League Burnley. Tom Heaton can't it. Let's make

sure! It's definitely over! The cup's soul, connected with modern

technology. The Lincoln bench is screaming to the referee. They want

the whistle. Lincoln have made history. This is one of the great

shocks of the competition. It's up there with Hereford, Wrexham against

Arsenal, this is Lincoln City, beating Burnley of the Premier

League. There FA Cup journey continues. A non-league team,

quarterfinalists for the first time in over a century. This was fantasy.

The stuff of dreams. Look who's left in the draw. Owen... Number four.

Sutton United or Arsenal. Number one. Lincoln City. A draw would see

Lincoln pitted against Arsenal's artillery. And once again, Lincoln

were cathedral tall. The world looking up to Lincoln once more.

We have changed history. There's a reason why no non-league team in the

last hundred years has been able to reach the last eight of the FA Cup.

The fact they have should make them mighty proud. We are winners. We

don't like losing. Of course we are disappointed that we lost, but while

we are not celebrating a loss, we are celebrating the journey that

we've had. We are able to draw breath, and I think we'll be pretty

proud of what we achieved. Of course, they knew it couldn't

last. Romance would give way to finance. Underdogs against

overlords, the big beasts began hunting. Road to Wembley, here we

come. # FA Cup final, no friendly.

# Sutton didn't know what was happening

# Wayne Shaw eight the pie, had to sack him

# Tottenham went with Wycombe. # Another hat-trick, Fulham were the

victim. The rigged Millwall came to the Lane

# Son Heung-min was listening # FA Cup final, not a friendly

# Who will win the road to Wembley? # West Ham getting hammered by City.

# Chelsea got through no biggie # After Aguero went to the Teesside

# Arsenal faced City. # Ander Herrera set of harshly

# Antonio Conte and Jose's Barney # FA Cup final, no friendly

# Who's going to win the road to Wembley?

# FA Cup final, not a friendly # Who's going to win the road to

Wembley? The Kings were gone. The throne was vacant. And then there

were four, four giants for Wembley. The first two at Wembley Way were

the top two, the Premier League elite, Chelsea and Tottenham, a

rivalry forged in geography and moulded in history. This was a semi

where we all look for a sign. A tale of two teams seeking their fortune.

# Heartache surrounds me # I don't know how you still are

standing... Big admissions. What do you make of that? It's a massive

surprise. As a Chelsea man I am probably sitting here this morning

thinking how do we win this game? Pedro now. Brought down. Will it be

a Willian curler or a Luiz dipper? Chelsea's the lead!

# If you search... It's in the net! Harry Kane and Spurs are level.

They'ves inventive improvisation at its very best.

It's a great ball in and headed just wide by Dier.

The referee has given it. Willian. To put Chelsea in front. And he

does! # If you search you destroy...

Luiz has handled that outside the penalty area. Got away with one.

# Now he's gone. # I used to feel the one you look

# I used to see him up above # Now he's gone.

That's a delightful ball! What a great goal! Alli scores it but

Christiansen makes it with one of the assists of the season. Brilliant

equaliser! It's dangerous, it's Hazard, it's

in! For the third time in this semifinal they're in front. Can

Tottenham do it again? Driven. Brilliant goal! Chelsea are

within touching distance of the FA Cup final itself.

If Spurs are going to do something incredible this has to go in. It's

Harry Kane. Oh, Courtois. Back spin. It has not been their day. Chelsea

are into the 2017 FA Cup final. Their double is still on. You don't

win games having possession. Spurs have dominated that game.

Possession-wise. Fate was coloured, Chelsea blue,

again. But what a semi too. This was the game of second chances.

The league's gone but the Cup's on. Were Manchester City at the birth of

a new era? Were Arsenal at the death of an old one? When you get this far

you have to trust. Now is not the time for doubt.

# I walk through hell and through the storms

# I know too well... It's part two of the big hitting Wembley weekend.

It's exactly how a final should be. Both clubs and their bosses really

need this trophy. # I've been praying for a... It's

tipped over the top by Cech. Ozil is pulled to the floor by

Kompany. The lines have been drawn. Aquero down. We are waiting for a

game to break out. # I am overdue a little bit of

luck... The flag is up. Arsenal got away with one there. It's a

desperate hold. # I'm been praying... Aquero scores!

Manchester City's magnificent number 10, the breakthrough goal. What a

time we have got on now. It has sprung to life. Arsenal are back in

it, Monreal buried that. # I am in the deep end

# I won't be beaten until I find what I have been praying for.

Extra time at Wembley Stadium. Sanchez has scored! Listen to the

roar around Wembley now. A smile creeps across the face of Arsene

Wenger. The great survivor of the Premier

League era. Arsenal are into the FA Cup final.

# Seasons change. He has the chance to win the FA Cup for an outright

record 7th time. Faith can't be renewed with a single game.

Questions haven't been answered. But Arsenal still had something to hope

for. To the final steps of football's

most famous road. All the ups and downs are behind you

now. It's one clash left between two of football's biggest giants. London

derby, as well. Chelsea once again champions.

Arsenal, everything has been called into question. The players, the

board and especially the manager. But it's an argument that won't be

settled in an afternoon. For the sake of red versus blue we can put

it to one side for a few hours, at least. It's always been the power of

the Cup. You forget, to dream, to get lost in the history and the

memories. The anticipation. See these steps are the ones that every

fan in the country dreams of taking. So look up. You made it.

Wembley Way. The last junction on the road to Wembley.

Welcome back to Wembley. We have moved to the Arsenal fan park.

That's the arena where Professor Brian Cox was doing clever stuff

last night. He is very intelligent. Much more intelligent than the BBC

crew we have here today. But he can't tell you what is coming up. I

can. Can Arsene Wenger add another trophy

to the cabinet? We have an exclusive interview very shortly.

Football and comedy have gone hand in hand down the years. We guide you

through it. To me it's nothing worse than a fake fan! Well, things to do.

Nice to have met you. And then Frank Lampard, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer

join Gary for the FA Cup final live and uninterpreted -- uninterrupted

here on BBC One. We are about to meet some big Arsenal fans. None

bigger than Alex Scott. Good afternoon to you. How excited are

you? I have to say you look very nice in your suit. I have to put a

dress on and get ready. This is the warmest suit I have ever worn. It's

nice. How exciting is it for you as an Arsenal fan? So exciting.

Obviously the season's not gone to plan but this is a one-off game,

anything can happen. Forget about that and just perform today. Alex,

tell viewers how many FA Cup titles have you won? I think it's eight.

Just the eight! As a player, I will count them when I stop. I am still

playing, I don't count the trophies. What is it like when you walk out on

to that hallowed turf. It's magical, you have to take it all in, but

don't let it affect your performance. I like to stay calm.

You have done the hard work and got here, it's about going out there and

performing and putting on a show for the fans. You have taken over the

BBC Instagram channels. Lots of fun, I am in the fan park and will talk

to people. 107 steps, did you know that? I didn't! Went into the

Arsenal dressing room to see what it's like, follow all the social

media accounts and you can see behind the scenes stuff. Do you

fancy Arsenal to win today, Chelsea are the favourites? . We had the Cup

final last year, the women's game and Chelsea came in as favourites

but one-off game, anything can happen. You can't write Chelsea off,

the form, the confidence, the camaraderie within the team. But

it's about Arsenal performing and turning up. Wonderful. I will let

you get back to Facebook and Twitter and whatever. Chris and Joe are

here. Hello. It's a big day for you young man, this is your first FA Cup

final. How are you Amazing. Didn't think I would be

able to do it, it's a great feeling. You were singing I heard this

morning in the shower, is this true? Yeah. I was really excited. Over and

over. It was your dad, he told me! What a great dad you are. What an

amazing dad getting a ticket for your lad. Well, I managed to get one

ticket for Villa a couple of years ago and we didn't get two tickets

and I felt bad. This year when we got the two I thought about, you

know, not bringing him to wind him up! No, I am delighted for him, he

makes me look like I am not a fan. He is obsessed. I had to bring him

and he has been excited. You are season ticket holders. What is your

assessment on the season? I think it's gone... Terribly! Could have

gone better. That's an understatement. Well done. For you,

the future, with Arsene Wenger? I will never ever call for his head.

He has given me some wonderful times in my life. Unbeaten sides and sort

of the things we have won, but I think he shouldn't renew his

contract. It's probably time for him to move on. How is it going to go

today, Chris? Trying to be as confident as I can I think we might

sneak it 2-1. What about you, Joe? 2-1 to Arsenal. Alex, I didn't get a

prediction from you? Obviously I am going to stick with the boys. I am

Arsenal through and through. You are working for the BBC today, you are

supposed to be impartial! Arsenal 1-0 win. Good lad, thank you very

much. Well done dad for getting him his ticket. Alex have a great day.

Thank you very much. As the boys mentioned there, Arsene Wenger will

he stay or go? Jonathan Pearce has been sitting down with the man they

call The Professor. I am grateful that I have worked for

such a long time in a country with a passion and emotions are so high. I

rate myself as very lucky to have the privilege to know that in my

life. I believe that England is a country with heart and I have huge

respect for that. I just want to be remembered to have given some

pleasure, great moments to people who love my club. You don't mind

criticism, the lack of respect in some stages has been for me a

disgrace. Whenever you move away from the English game, what will be

the thing you have given to the English game, what has England given

to you? I would say I will have a lot of respect for the passion in

this country, for the passion that people have for my club, for

example. I believe that today Arsenal is a respected club all over

the world. The one thing I hate to say, the behaviour of some people

during the season, that hurts me most because behind the work and the

respect for this club are the values that this club respected and the

image the club has given in recent weeks is absolutely unacceptable

because it tarnishes the impeccable image that the club has all over the

world. What are your earliest memories of

the FA Cup final, did you watch it? I watched it, it was the only game

we could get at the time on television. Of course there was no

colour. Small television. We had to bring 100 francs to the school to

have the right to watch the game. It's good memories because it shows

at the time it was not as easy to watch football so young. I don't

remember, I think I saw West Ham. Is there any chances could be your

last match, cup final? I'll... It will not be my last match anyway

because I will stay in football. At this club? I don't know. I always

loved English football and the English atmosphere. I remember when

I think I was a very young coach, I came to watch a game, Manchester

against Liverpool, and you could see, that's where football has been

created and you could feel the intensity and passion for the game.

I always thought that if I had a chance to want a work here, I would

do it. Arsenal have sacked their manager Bruce Rioch. The sacking has

shocked the football world. The club say they have identified their

replacement but they will not name him yet. Walking down the street and

outside the ground, some Arsenal supporters might not recognise you.

I think I accept this idea very well. It's for me to prove I have

qualities. If I do well here, people will recognise me. Where was he

born? France, I suppose. Germany, I think. He's Swedish, isn't he? When

we first met him, he looked like a schoolteacher. That's not a nasty

thing. He looked like my geography teacher. My main priority is to

bring success to the team and to satisfy all the people who love

Arsenal. When you came, what state was the club in? As you know well,

Jonathan, football has changed in the last 20 years and we have

changed as well. It's a total revolution in quality of football

and culture. There was a drinking culture at the club, let's be clear

about it. The older boys, if you ask Tony Adams, Martin Keown and David

Seaman, he has prolonged their careers by the fact they realise

they now have to look after their bodies. There was a fear at the

start when you came in, we thought, do nice guys win things? We have

this placid and humorous exterior that is great to be around, but he

has this slightly Machiavellian streak inside him, a raging bull

inside Arsene Wenger, I think. I remember people said that a foreign

coach can't be successful in England. People were sceptical, this

attitude. Of course, I wanted to show I could be successful and have

an impact. I already had good experience because I had managed ten

years in France and two years in Japan. 12 years at the top level. I

was coming to a club that wanted to build. It was a very exciting

period, in fact. Tony Adams! What a finish, what a way to clinch the

championship. How special was that first cup final? Completing the

double? It was at the old Wembley and that makes a big difference. I

have seen the first cup finals at the old Wembley. For me, that was a

dream. To walk out there at Wembley, with the tradition, walking your

team out, it's something exceptional. The first time you do

that, it's really moving. Nicolas Anelka. The flag stays down. Nicolas

Anelka! Arsenal at 2-0. Will that clinch the double? I think Arsene

Wenger might have surprised himself by winning both fans doing the

double in his first season in English football. Cynics at the

start of the season, including myself, were asking questions about

too many foreigners in the side and the French coach himself. We didn't

know who he was. Those questions have been accidents that way.

Nicolas Anelka scored that day. Thierry Henry, Robert Pires. You

were globalising Arsenal. Was that always in the plan? We always felt

if a player was good enough and had a good mentality, why not give him a

chance. When you are a young boy, you dream to become a star. You

don't look at your passport, you just hope that somebody will notice

you are good and give you a chance. I came to Europe and you were like a

father to me. He monitored everything I did at Monaco. I follow

his example and he made me a good man. I give him this because he

deserves it more than I do. I have always been for a society based on

merit and quality. And not too much on passports. Do you remember the

time he came in when we were losing at home and he didn't say anything

for 14 minutes and then he drew two bits of chalk on the board and a

line, and then said, we start to play in the second half, come on,

and he clapped and walked out. We went out in the second half and won

3-1. We wondered, how did he do that? 2002 was another double

winning year. What was most satisfying, winning the title at Old

Trafford or the cup final with Chelsea? Chelsea were an up and

coming team with top quality and we needed something special. Ray

Parlour scored on the day. All I would say is it was a fantastic

scene. And BB the most difficult cup final to win -- and may be. It was

an exceptional week. Freddie Ljungberg. On the left-hand side

here. Freddie Ljungberg goes himself. He's curled one. Another

wonderful goal for Arsenal. After that 2000 and 200, Tony Adams

retired and Lee Dixon retired. -- after that 2002 double. These

generations of football players, I respected those guys, but they

weren't always convinced during the week. But then they would deliver

great games because sometimes they took the training easier, especially

Tony Adams. But on Saturday they turned up. Everybody else let Tony

get on with what he was doing, as long as he was playing well. Arsene

Wenger came in and literally helped him, spoke to Tony and saved his

life. He is a very loyal man, fiercely loyal. He has proved it in

dealing with clubs and is also fiercely loyal to players. He has

done it in every circumstance. It was sad to lose this generation.

They were men you could rely on. Winning the English championship.

The final of 2003. Freddie Ljungberg with a chance for Arsenal. Robert

Pires surely. Goal! Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of the FA Cup

2003, Arsenal. The consistency in the competition has been superb. We

are either at the top or second. We want to keep that going. The manager

since he has been here has been fantastic. We were close to a double

double. Looking at the last two seasons, we have won twice the cup

and league championship and also runners-up. The opposition, it's not

too bad. You created the best team in the world, Thierry Henry scoring

goals for fun. Yeah, they scored for fun. At the time you don't notice,

you think it's normal to win those games, but at a distance, we had

quality, an exceptional team. Something about Arsene Wenger, I

would not been playing for Arsenal or here. When I first arrived a lot

of people were doubting my ability. With Arsene having a lot of

confidence in me, without that I wouldn't be here tonight. He brought

me to the club and changed me. He made me believe in my quality and

myself, made me work really hard and maybe improve as a player and human

being as well. -- made me improve. I thought Manchester United probably

had more of the play that day. I wouldn't disagree. I think that's

the final we won where we did not deserve to win at all. It was a

couple we won with luck. A symbol on the day is Patrick Vieira scoring a

penalty to win us the cup. And it's his last kick for Arsenal Football

Club. I think the hardest thing is always, after you have won

something, and have a great team, to change the team and bring in 45 new

guys. He does it by spending less money than anyone else. No Arsenal

fan will accept the step backward now. We have become spoiled by what

we have seen. People really have a taste for it now. Will there really

be a statue going up there one day? I think they already starting to

build it. I was privileged to be alongside him for a lot of those ten

years. A remarkable man with amazing intellect. Another ten years out of

him at Highbury? Everybody hope so. Then the Dolderer years, nine years

without a trophy. Why did that happen? It was simple reasons. Very

simple reasons. -- the doldrum years. It was the most difficult

period of my life, but where I may be did the best work. I think where

maybe some of the fans have been upset is that money hasn't been

spent. What about his philosophy about free-flowing attacking

football. Should he reassess that? Nobody question is it when they win

all the trophies. They have put the trophies around the top at the

Emirates, but it stops at 2005. Clearly he is driven. Things must

have happened in his childhood that means he has this need to try to

create beautiful football. I think what drives him is that need rather

than winning. He is a specialist in failure. I'm not. 2006-2014, we had

restricted finances and had to sell our best players. We had to maintain

at the top, be in the Champions League and had to make at least

54,000 average attendance to pay back the debt. Ask Alex Ferguson or

Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger of 2000 or 97 or 2004, how do you fancy

coming third and fourth for 12 years? They would laugh at you. I

did sweat more than ever during those years. It was the most

difficult period of my life. But give me the challenge again today, I

would say, no thank you, give it to somebody else. We live in a society

that's always very categorical, dismissive, and I'm just interested

in doing quality work everyday and letting other people judge that. As

well, I believe people make the right decisions. What has gone wrong

in modern society, it's not any more, is this the right decision,

but is this popular or not popular? Is to buy this player popular or not

popular? Is to sack this manager or employ this manager, popular or not

popular? It has nothing to do with competence. People have to make the

right decision and today may be more than ever have to make decisions

that are not popular. The more expensive a player is, the more

credit he gets. Nobody looks, can he pass, dribble, kick the ball? No. If

he costs 150 million he must be exceptional. We have to keep it

simple and just make the right decisions. Do the two later cup

final successes, you are two down against Hull, and the Villa romp,

did it to rekindle that love affair? I think winning the trophy again,

when you don't win for a while, after the success we had before,

everybody says, where are the trophies? I believe against Aston

Villa was the dream to have, because we didn't concede a goal, we scored

four, and after 20 or 30 minutes we could see we were by far the better

team. Against Hull it was completely reverse. A nightmare final, 2-0

down, shaky and nervous because we had absolutely to win. We came back

into the game. Ramsey! And Ramsey scores for Arsenal in added time

here at Wembley. Could that be the moment that will clinch their first

trophy for nine years for Arsene Wenger?

Ramie scored and got us the first trophy we hadn't won Father a while.

So on the night I must say it was just a relief. Fans are unhappy

anyway, that's being polite. They are fuming. We put up with this for

12 years. If they give him a two-year deal I am not coming to

Arsenal. I am sick of it! It's turning! This season the pressure

has been back on. The hardest criticism has been... I would say

you don't mind criticism because we are in a public job. The lack of

respect in some stages has been, for me, a disgrace and I will never

accept that. I believe there is a difference between being criticised

and being treated in a way that human beings don't deserve to be

treated. I will never forget that. There are some people who have

admired everything you have done here and everything, seeing you

lifting the FA Cup at Wembley would be like a beautiful farewell. Does

that go through your mind at all? No, I want to win the Cup for my

club and this is all I care about. It's not about me. I know that I

meet so many people who love this club and share the passion for the

club. I just think you cannot do anything and it is not my person

that is hurt, for me it's the image I love to see of Arsenal Football

Club all over the world and I don't believe that kind of behaviour

reflects what Arsenal is and the values that Arsenal carries through.

Is this as enjoyable a build-up to as an enjoyable a day for you as the

first was? Of course, what is the beauty in life is that to share

something with people around you, share emotions, share preparations,

share excitement and have a collective target to reach and

overall I believe that is of course something exceptional, that will

always be exactly the same. Why? Because you don't know what will

happen during the game. Football is unpredictable and nobody can predict

what happens at 5. 30pm. What a view, Wembley Stadium, ladies

and gentlemen. Look at it. Especially given the events in

Manchester this week. It is going to be a very poignant FA Cup final this

year. A wonderful view at Wembley Stadium. I have been here from this

morning, there were a handful of fans having pictures. It's getting

so busy now. We have left the Arsenal fan park. We are now heading

to the Chelsea fan park. We have a wonderful welcome. I think you can

see us. That's the back of my head apparently. Let's give you a wave.

Hello. Lots of Arsenal and Chelsea fans. How lovely is this? Lots of

fans, rival fans having a laugh and enjoying it. That's the side of

football that we like. We have been joined by four Chelsea fans here.

Alex, a blogger, with Chelsea Football Club. How excited are you

about today? Really excited but nervous obviously. Everyone is

saying we should win and it's going to be easy but everyone who has

supported chemical for a length of time knows that's never true. -- who

has supported Chelsea. It's wonderful seeing all the fans. It's

brilliant nobody has been put off by sad events this week and everyone is

here to have a good time. Why are you nervous, you are the Premier

League champions and Arsenal have had a terrible season. Because

that's exactly why. That will be the time that we trip up and let them

beat us. That's what happens. I am quite confident, quietly confident.

But anything can happen in a 90-minute Cup game. Alex, we are

here to celebrate the final. I don't want you going all political here,

but I have to ask you, because I was in the middle of a finals studio

when the John Terry story broke. Don't shout at me. It was Garth who

said this is not Hollywood. Can I ask your view of how the media

handled the John Terry story? We greet it all with a massive pinch of

salt. If there was any day that should have been about John Terry it

was last Sunday. We put up with a six-month farewell tour of Steven

Gerrard. It wasn't the same. Somebody who has given 20 years of

service, it was about showing him respect. We all had a great day. He

is done with Chelsea now and I don't any of us are sorry about what

happened. It was a Premier League fixture. It was, there was nothing

at stake. As I understand it, Sunderland were happy, we were

happy. Nobody did the same when Drogba got carried off in his last

game. I am amused by the amount of venom, especially from Garth Crooks.

Takes himself too seriously. That's my friend. I know, he is a lovely

man, but chill. Good afternoon, Garth. Message from Alex, chill.

Thank you. Lovely to see you. Sam, how excited are you about today,

Chelsea win? As excited as I can be. Chelsea win, hopefully. On paper it

should be. But let's be honest, it's a Cup final, it's a derby, it can go

either way. I think I can remember recently we played them in the

Community Shield and we fell apart. Granted they had a full team and

today it's not the same story. It's a game of football, could go either

way. Karen, can you believe you are going for a double. Did you think it

would happen? Never dreamt we would be here today. Who is this? My dad.

Hello dad. You look like you have been supporting Chelsea for a long

time, no offence. Thanks a lot! Yeah. Since 56. 1956. How many Cup

finals? Can't remember. I missed one, I had to come all the way home,

they left the Cup find. You might not remember, we were within that

much of picking up the Cup and gave a goal away. Then there was a

replay. This must be the best time to be a Chelsea fan. It is. I was a

glory hunter in 56 when we were winning. I had to wait 50 years

after that for the next time. But it's all coming good now. Can you

believe the job Antonio Conte... They all start singing now, the job

he has done. He has been magnificent. Amazing. Especially

after the first six games. I thought here we go again, another year. Have

you seen the papers today, ?9. 6 million contract apparently. He is

worth every penny. He is a gentleman. Sign him for the next ten

years? Absolutely and the rest! Best one we have had. That's saying

something. Ranieri, he was a nice man, as well. Thank you very much.

They're shouting come on Chelsea. Lots of people have been getting in

touch using the hashtag BBC FA Cup. Lots on social media. We have had

lovely pictures. Thank you all very much indeed for getting in touch.

Keep them coming. They've been coming in of babies and

also of boats in Thailand. People getting ready around the world to

watch the FA Cup. That's the global appeal. Good afternoon to this chap,

as well. Known as the dancing Arsenal fan. One Chelsea fan is

saying maybe he should be going to your fan park. He has been dancing

like this for the last 25 minutes or so. He must be boiling. Now fun with

Omid Djalili. He has been looking at the best comedy sketches with

football down the years. Enjoy. Football is a very simple game. I

hit the ball first time and there it was in the back of the net. Still

got the maths to enjoy. Watch it, watch it! It's going to

move! The FA Cup one of the biggest dates

in the sporting calm ender, high stakes, high tension. High drama. It

all happens here at the cathedral of English football.

Oi, off the pitch! The FA Cup one of the biggest days in the sporting

calendar, high drama, high tension. High stakes. This is where it all

takes place, the cathedral of English football. Wembley.

Just over there. Arsenal! Chelsea!

What a Cup final it's going to be. But I have to declare my loyalties,

I am actually a Chelsea fan. I am not just a Chelsea fan, I am widely

kind of seen as an expert. In the 2005-06 season and in 2014-15

Chelsea won the Premier League title by how many points? 103. If only,

eight. Yeah, got beaten by a puppet. I have been a Chelsea fan since

1971. I am not one of those fans that gets carried away.

Chelsea are champions of Europe! All right, maybe a bit carried away.

Some of us take football so seriously it's actually really

funny. The fact it's not lost on sketch

writers. You can catch all that football here where we will show all

the football all the time. Thousands and thousands of hours of football,

constant dizzying 24-hour year-long endless football, every kick of it

mattering to someone presumably. Watch it all here, all the time,

forever T will never stop. The football is officially going on

forever! Coming up, watch it, watch the football! Watch it, watch it!

It's going to move. Watch the football! What does David Mitchell

know about football? That sketch was written by someone who hates

football. For those of us who love the game we know that some of our

best comedy characters came out of their love of football. Once again

the pace and tempo of that first half totally dictated by the boy

wonder Ryan Giggs. Ryan Giggs, you know, Giggsy, isn't it. Ryan

Giggs-wiggsy. Marvellous. Do we need a structured game, look at the

Brazilians? Those Brazilians, oh, broke the mould. Didn't they, you

know, theory out the window. Free expression of football.

Uncharacterisable. Is that a word? It is now. You know, a far cry from

the English game. Small boys in the park, jumpers for goal posts. Three

in the middle, four at the front. One's gone home for his tea. Beans

on toast. Possibly, don't quote me on that. Marvellous.

There's no doubt media coverage has a a huge impact on our relationship

with the beautiful game. Back in the day the biggest challenge we had as

football fans was getting people not to tell you the result of an

important football match you were going to see the highlights of on

telly that night. Who do you think will win the match? Yeah. The news

from Bulgaria. Don't tell us! We want to watch it on the box tonight.

You will never last until tonight. Let me put you... Don't tell us! One

of the great things about working at the BBC is that you can actually go

and film inside the Match of the Day sturd I do. -- Match of the Day

studio. I am really excited. Come on in.

This is it. Match of the Day studio. Very comfortable. The pundits really

have it easy, don't they? It's the commentators who have the toughest

job. Moving into the last minute of the game. It's really been on edge,

end to end stuff all night. Great excitement. Come on, liven it up!

Skips past Terry. If you are talking for 90 minutes you are bound to say

something stupid. But in Alan Partridge's case it's a gift. Goal!

Yes, yes, yes, yes! Yes! That was a goal! Eat that! And another! The

proof is in the pudding and the pudding in this case is a football.

Eat my goal! The goalie has got football pie all over his shirt. I

am Alan Partridge and that will be my World Cup 94. You can come too.

Join me. Can I have Gary's seat? I don't want

to be Mark Chapman. Even Mark Chapman doesn't want to be Mark

Chapman! There are so many ways to get your football fix now. Football

heroes at the tip of your fingers. Even random stuff, if we suddenly

want to watch Icelandic fish goal celebrations, you've got it.

Literally anything you want. Can you imagine a world where you can go a

whole day without finding out the football scores? Still got the match

to enjoy. That's at least salvage something from today. We will now

take you over to Vienna for the finals of the European figure

Skating Championships. You what?! This replaces the England against

Bulgaria soccer match that was postponed earlier today because

though waterlogged pitch! The need to analyse has become

insatiable. Hours of talking about the game, sometimes as long as the

game itself. It's easy to overanalyse a simple game. We are

now standing with the team and my Man of the Match was this

freethinking, arch midfielder Jimmy buzzard. At least one ageing

football commentator was enamoured last night by an English footballer

breaking three tentacles backed Mediterranean defence. Good evening.

What I'm getting at is that you have understood concepts by which you

intersected the Italian defence last night. I hit the ball first time and

there it was in the back of the net. For comedians, the first butt of

jokes is you, the fans. The players feel pain, but for the fans come you

can feel eviscerated. Personally, I love it when fans take it seriously.

There's a general rule that when you play for double, even if it's a

kickabout in the park, the more intense the game is, the more fun

you have. So for me, there's nothing worse than a fake fan. Looking a bit

grim there for us for a moment, wasn't it? But that equaliser really

sorted is out. I think with that boost, win the second half we have a

good chance of hammering them. What a goal, nobody there and then nodded

it in. It was disallowed. He was offside. They can't do that! They

did. So were losing then, are we? Yeah. Well, things to do. Nice to

have met you. Soccer! Deep down, we have always laughed at the same

things, even when the football was in black and white. Arsenal against

the Liverpool team of 1991. Playing for the first time in black and

white. Charles Charley Charles shaking hands with the referee, Mr

Hollingsworth of Cheltenham. How touching coming he's given him a

lovely scarf. Beauxis around some nice looking sandwiches. Liverpool

have taken account of the whistle, they are off and it go.

Shot for goal. If the referee going to allow that? Yes, it's just over

the line. And as for referees, well, they're just frustrated footballers.

A nice fair game. Two of my lads haven't turned up. I can play on

your team then. The referee is playing for them! It's OK, let's go.

Where do you want to play? Full-back? I'll play up front. Off

we go. No goal. I was offside. What are you

playing at? Penalty! Penalty! No penalty. I

dived. I'm booking myself for diving. What are you talking about?

It was a penalty. This one, we thought, was amazing.

Just before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, for comic relief, a

good cause. I still believe in you. Frank, actually, do you know...

Oh... Do you know Steven Gerrard? Big Scouse guy, yeah? Has the

unfortunate forward hairline was always talks like that... Me and the

gaffer just want to do great, play football. You like him, get on with

him? Play like it then! May look up and passed him every now and again,

OK? Because you are really good at football, OK? And he's as good, if

not a teensy bit better. JT, you are the last bastions of the

old-fashioned English centre-back. You're like Terry Butcher with a

bandage round your head, until you miss a penalty. I've had enough of

this since Gazza. We save that tears for home. That goes for all of us.

The choice of comedy, which galvanised the England team who went

on to get thrashed 4-1 by Germany. -- good choice of comedy. The thing

is, though, you've got to love the players.

# Blue is the colour, football is the game... One of the oldest gags

in football is marking a player for being a bit thick. It's an easy

target. The young and pampered being paid millions to kick a ball for a

living. Jason, how did you see today's game? It started off, then

carried on... A break in the middle, and then it was over. Disappointing

result though. It was one of those games where whoever scored first was

going to win it and we were extremely unlucky, especially with

their faith, sixth and seven. Number eight was unstoppable. And frankly

by nine we'd given up. It's a cheap shot. Not all footballers are

stupid. Pat Nevin has a degree. Gary Neville is actually Doctor Gary

Neville. And our Gary has been moonlighting as a comedian on have I

got news for you. The toilets at Victoria Station cost 50p to use

unless you book online two months ahead, when you can get in for 35p,

but they still won't get you a seat. You have to give it up to all the

foreign players, coming over here, putting up with all the terrible

weather, learning a new language. Julio Geordio, good to have you back

on the show. Any mocking of the players is really

only because word jealous of their incredible physique, they're

fabulous good looks and their amazing skill. With 20 minutes of

the first half done, still no score. What a fantastic ballplayer this boy

is. He has completely mesmerised the defender. Fantastic! Let's go

through it again. He beat Swann, another man. Stands at the goal

line. The game has always had funny

moments, given its a full-bodied, physical and contact sport. Right,

now, listen. Football is a very simple game. What is it? A very

simple game. What the object of the of football? To run into the box and

fall over. One at a time, Ricky, off you go. There are many ways you can

laugh at football, but if you think about it, really think about it,

really, really, really think about it... Now we are going back to the

Olympic Stadium for the closing minutes of the philosophy final and

I understand there is still no score. Nietzsche is there. Victims

dine with him. Beckenbauer. -- Wittgenstein with him. There is

Archimedes. He's had an idea. Eureka! Archimedes to Socrates, back

to Archimedes. A little flick. On the far post, Socrates is there and

it's in. Socrates has scored and the Greeks are going mad. The Germans

are disputing it. HKant fires the ontological imperative. I would like

to see Sir Alex Ferguson sort this one out. Has to be the toughest job

in football. Sometimes being responsible for a bunch of players

is like running a nursery. How do you communicate with small kids?

Big, animated gestures. Play the ball, I said to them play the ball.

It's a simple game. Simple game. Why would they listen to me! JT, tell

them my hair is the best. Tell them, come on! Joe Hart, no, how? I've got

much better hair. I got the hair commercial, I got the hair

commercial! I love Antonio Conte. Who doesn't? But maybe sometimes

there's a little too much testosterone in football. The

greatest thing about football, I think, is that it's for everyone,

you know? It's not just for men. And anybody who says it's just for men

is a sexist, which I hate. Women watch football too. Not to me, I'm

not... But to women. For everyone. If there two teams that reflect the

diversity of our society, it's Chelsea and Arsenal, black, white,

young, old, straight, gay... I don't think there are any gays in the

team. Is he? He looks so butch, doesn't he. Wembley Stadium on cup

final day. There you have it, very shortly Chelsea and Arsenal fans

will be cascading down Wembley Way with glory on their minds. Nice to

see you to see you... Nice! The FA Cup is up for grabs and it's a

serious business. It's precisely because we care so much that we can

afford a little giggle at the beautiful game's expense. The skill,

passion, a bit of afters. It's always been that way. And long may

it continue. And this is what it's all about. The

Emirates FA Cup on the hallowed turf. In just a few hours, either

Arsenal or Chelsea will lift the famous trophy at Wembley. The BBC

sport coverage will start at 4:15pm with Gary, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer

and Frank Lampard. The fans are still making their way along Wembley

Way. Fantastic atmosphere out there today and both dreaming of lifting

the FA Cup. Thank you for watching the FA Cup show. Hope you are ready

for a fantastic FA Cup final on BBC One. Now it's time for the news.