Despite the media trying to whip up an unnecessary storm of conflict beforehand and the opposition players trying their best to turn the game into a fight, Stoke remained professional throughout and in the end swept aside a poor Arsenal team with significant ease.

It was a Happy Easter for the Potters as they showed no Semi Final hangover or indeed pre Final nerves by putting in three assured performances to remain unbeaten over the holiday period taking in a respectable five points from games against Villa, Wolves and Blackpool.