The Yorkshire team were on the back foot from the start as Arsenal defender Alex Scott missed a great chance in the opening exchanges. The Gunners right back had a shot cleared off the line by Steph Houghton, after good work from Lianne Sanderson and England's Kelly Smith.

It was then Smith who smashed in a shot straight at Carly Telford and you had a sense that it was going to be one of those long afternoons for Leeds. Minutes later Sanderson's deep cross could only be cleared to Scott who hit it first time from 20 yards and was extremely unlucky to see the ball bounce down off the crossbar.

Telford brilliantly tipped over a 20-yard dipping volley from Jayne Ludlow and it was clear that if Leeds were to win this final then she would have to keep playing at this form.

Despite Arsenal's obvious quality in attacking, Leeds were gritty in the tackle. They threw bodies in the line of shots and headers and tried to get tight to play makers Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey and Sanderson. Unfortunately that was quite a task as Arsenal are not European Champions for nothing.

More chances were missed before a rare attack saw Leeds actually put the ball in the net as a hopeful clearance forward fell to striker Amanda Barr who produced a sublime finish. Her celebrations were short lived, though, as she looked across and saw the linesman's flag raised. It was a tough call.

The half-time whistle blew and Leeds had survived. The Gunners manager Vic Akers' face showed frustration. The Premiership champions deserved to be leading, but in the end it was United who could have been ahead. Was it going to be their day?

The short answer to the question was "no." Nine minutes into the second half and the champions took the lead as Rachel Yankey's brilliant run and pass found Kelly Smith who expertly poked home the finish past Telford.

United's heads dropped minutes later when Arsenal got their second. Sanderson's lofted free-kick was flicked in through the legs of Telford by the unmarked Jayne Ludlow.

Sixty seconds later Arsenal grabbed their third as Sanderson scored her 51st goal of the season with a 20-yard effort that nicked a deflection to wrong-foot Telford and the game was effectively over.

All of Leeds' hard work in the first half was being undone in a crazy six-minute period. Telford should feel aggrieved after such a superb display. She showed the crowd and TV audience that women goalkeepers can be great players and not the butt of all jokes.

United were thrashed 5-0 in the FA Cup final at Millwall's New Den, but this time they kept plugging away and got a deserved goal when England International Sue Smith ran with the ball, jinking with arrogance and with a drop of the shoulder to deceive White. She stopped, looked up and planted an audacious chip over the goalkeeper only to see the ball strike the angle of bar and post. The crowd groaned, but not for long as Jess Clarke headed home the rebound to make it 3-1.

The Gunners pushed on again, having a header cleared off the line and Alex Scott missed another glorious chance while at the other end Leeds were denied a penalty when captain Jessica Wright's volley struck a hand, but referee Ihringova waived away the appeals.

Arsenal's win and the league and cup double was wrapped up with seven minutes remaining. Substitute Julie Fleeting created space and shot from outside the box only to see it hit the bottom of the post. Fortunately for the London team it fell to Kelly Smith. The England International doesn't miss many opportunities and she certainly doesn't miss them from four yards.

Leeds certainly were not embarrassed like they were two years earlier. Considering Arsenal are helped and assisted by their male counterparts the Yorkshire side did well to compete with the champions. United have had a great season by reaching the FA Cup Final and finishing third in the league - it is their best since starting in 1989.

Arsenal: Byrne, Scott, White, Asante, Phillip, Ludlow, Grant (Tracey 74), Carney, Smith, Yankey (Davison 74), Sanderson (Fleeting 74).
Leeds United: Telford, Houghten, Bradley, Wright (Bonner 86), Culvin (Thackray 80), Walton, Moore (Sutcliffe 60), Holtham, Clarke, Barr, Smith.