But it was the closing down by Arsenal that contributed to the first goal, when the bubbly Fabregas took a chance, ran towards Ferdinand and stuck out a hopeful foot before watching his block travel 40 yards over the stranded Simon Mignolet and intothenet.
Villa could only half block Cruyff's cross and the ball broke to Sheringham who planted it left-footed intothe corner of thenet, although Enckelman managed to get a hand to the shot.