BBC happy with Final figures

7.4 million watched Arsenal lift the trophy on the BBC

The BBC has declared itself satisfied with the viewing figures following Saturday's FA Cup Final which saw Arsenal defeat Chelsea 2-0.

The match returned to the BBC for the first time since 1997 and figures for the game peaked at 7.4 million.

This is the first year of our new coverage of the competition and we are pleased with how it worked

BBC spokesperson

Four years ago, when the BBC broadcast the final last, 11.1 million viewers tuned in.

But a BBC spokesperson said the May Day bank holiday was responsible for a downturn in figures across all channels.

"The fact is that it was a holiday weekend and that lots of people were away," she said.

"It was also between two London clubs and perhaps there was not universal interest.

"However this is the first year of our new coverage of the competition and we are pleased with how it worked and are looking forward to the next two years."

The BBC has split coverage rights for the FA Cup with satellite broadcaster BSkyB until and including the 2004 final.