It was difficult not to sympathise with Middlesbrough. In their 127-year history the club have won nothing but the FA Amateur Cup twice, both in the 1890s. It is a record reeking of sustained failure and, at times, they have repelled the neutral with their extravagant recruitment and delusions of grandeur.
Yet, a 1-0 defeat came hand in hand with dignity came hand in hand in yesterday English FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Every sinew was stretched, every shirt drenched in sweat. Their strategy, conceded manager Steve McClaren, was built on the foundations that toil could overcome talent, perspiration could prevail over inspiration.
What he could not have bargained for was the moment of devilish misfortune, six minutes before half-time, that would ultimately be their undoing. It was five years and a day since Gianluca Festa lashed in Middlesbrough's final goal in their only previous appearance in an FA Cup semi-final, the 3-3 draw against Chesterfield, but this time another moment of Teesside history beneath the Stretford End left him burying his face into the turf in anguish.
Scarcely able to conceal his disappointment, Festa issued an emotional apology afterwards. Yet no blame could be apportioned. McClaren stressed as much afterwards. "I couldn't have asked for any more," he said. "There are people in there dead on their feet. We've got stitches, pulled hamstrings, kicks, bruises, the lot. They have been in a war. Okay, we'll walk away defeated but we'll also take great encouragement for the future."
"You could see how they came here and won against United," reflected Arsène Wenger. "They were very direct, closed us down early and put us under a lot of pressure. To win this match, we had to dig deep and be mentally strong."
Ultimately, however, it was to come down to Festa's faux pas. "It could have happened to anyone," said the Sardinian. "I'm sorry because it was my mistake that has cost us this game. In the end that was the difference between the teams."
Middlesbrough will take great solace from their performance, but that will not dim their sense of anguish when Arsenal, seeking to repeat the Double of 1998, contest the final on May 4th. "There's a great belief we can do it," said Wenger. "We have the strength to win the Double."
Their chances will be increased, moreover, by the fact Patrick Vieira avoided the booking here that would have seen him suspended for Arsenal's next visit to Old Trafford, the title showdown with Manchester United on May 8th.
The news of Sol Campbell's damaged left hamstring took a certain amount of gloss off Arsenal's day. "He was injured here playing for Spurs against us in the semi-final last season and now it has happened again," said Wenger. "This is an unlucky ground for him."
To win the Double, Wenger's side must overcome Chelsea, also 1-0 semi-final winners, but more comfortably so against Fulham at Villa Park yesterday evening.
John Terry poked home the winning goal via a Louis Saha deflection in the first half to set up a London derby at the Millennium Stadium against Emmanuel Petit's former club. "I think it's going to be a big game for both clubs and for me as well."
Fellow French World Cup winner Marcel Desailly admitted the game had not gone entirely as planned. "We stayed a bit at the back but I'm happy we have shown we can handle the pressure of the Englishstyle, the long ball."
