ARSENAL won the English League Cup for only the second time yesterday when they rallied to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the final at Wembley .
Wednesday received a great start when American international John Harkes fired the Yorkshire club into a ninth-minute lead with a drive from the edge of the area.
Nine minutes later, though, Arsenal were level when England forward Paul Merson curved a close-range effort into the net following a free-kick.
The winner came from unsung midfielder Steve Morrow, who slammed home from point-blank range in the 68th minute after Wednesday defender Carlton Palmer had cleared a Merson cross into his path.
Arsenal manager George Graham said: ''I thought it was a close game and that we showed a lot of character. We're proving a better team than people give us credit for.'' Arsenal now have the chance to become the first club to win both English cup competitions in the same season when they meet Wednesday again in the FA Cup final on May 15.
Earlier on in the day Aston Villa ensured the chase for the English Premier League title remained on the boil by coming from behind to beat Manchester City 3-1 at Villa Park and reduce Manchester United's league lead to one point.
Villa showed they have the stomach to fight favourites United all the way, having started the game four points off the pace after United's 3-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday.