On this day 13 years ago: Watch as Sheffield United are denied by Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman's incredible save

Even now it almost defies belief and those Blades fans who were there or watching on TV could be forgiven for still expecting the ball to go over the line when they see it again.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Apr 2016, 14:23 BST
David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003
David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003

It was 13 years ago today when Arsenal and England number one David Seaman pulled off an incredible save to deny Paul Pescisolido and Sheffield United what would have been a hugely deserved equaliser in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Old Trafford.

United had outplayed the Gunners for much of the tie, but trailed to a Freddie Ljungberg goal that in itself was laced in controversy - referee Graham Poll failed to blow for a foul on Wayne Allison by Sol Campbell and then got in the way of Michael Tonge who was attempting to make a challenge.

David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003
David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003

Then in the 84th minute the chance they had craved arrived.

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Tonge's corner was headed down by skipper Robert Page, finding Carl Asaba on the edge of the six yard box. The substitute sliced his attempt at a volley but the ball landed invitingly for Peschisolido who, just a couple of yards from the line looked sure to score. That was until pony-tailed stopper Seaman, at full-stretch, finger-tipped the ball away with just millimetres to spare.

It was a simply stunning save and one that goes down as one of the greatest in the history of the FA Cup.

Seaman said in a recent interview: “I was fortunate enough to make one or two important saves from penalties for England, but from open play that one at Old Trafford was probably the best.

David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003
David Seaman stretches to deny Paul Peschisolido at Old Trafford in 2003

"Some people still talk to me about it. They say, 'I don't know how you managed to get a hand to it when the ball was only two inches from the line', and I tell them it was a lot closer than that!"

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Warnock said afterwards: "We had an opportunity to score which we didn't take because of a world-class save. It makes people realise how good he is - there's still no one better than him, he's still number one."

Arsenal went on to beat Southampton 1-0 in the final. United, who had already lost out in the semi-finals of the League Cup to Liverpool, would suffer further heartache, as they were defeated 3-0 by Wolves in the play-off final, at the Millennium Stadium.

What were your memories from the day? Were you there? How does the save rate amongst the best? Let us know on our comments section