NEWCASTLE'S hopes of a semi-final showdown with north-east rivals Middlesbrough were ended at the hands of Arsenal on Saturday.
The Gunners, still reeling from their midweek European Cup exit, were two up inside the first ten minutes of this FA Cup quarter-final replay.
With little over a minute on the clock Dennis Bergkamp played the ball out to Pires on the left, who, with all the time in the world, bent the ball around Shay Given.
Just as Newcastle were looking to pick themselves up from the early setback they found themselves two down in the ninth minute.
Pires turned provider when he laid the ball across to Bergkamp and the Dutchman was left with the simple task of sliding the ball past Given.
It was game over five minutes into the second half.
Once again Bergkamp was instrumental as he floated over a free-kick from the right and Sol Campbell headed home his third goal of the season.
Arsenal will now face Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on April 14.
Read more about Newcastle United here.
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