 With Arsenal unable to retain the title, having lost to Leeds United, manager Arsène Wenger rested several players, as did Southampton manager Gordon Strachan, whose team started without six of their first-choice eleven.Winger Jermaine Pennant on his league debut scored a hat-trick, as did Pires, in a 6–1 win.Strachan believed the result had little bearing on their chances of winning the cup, noting