Police say fans of both teams were in good spirits and behaved well

South Wales Police said the day was "extremely successful", with no traffic problems or disorder among fans of Arsenal and Southampton.

There were just three arrests relating to the game, which was won by Arsenal with a 38th-minute goal by Frenchman Robert Pires.

One person was arrested for going on to the pitch, and two men were detained for ticket-touting offences. They have been charged and will appear before Cardiff magistrates next week.

It was the third year in a row that the final was staged in Cardiff - but the first time the game has been played undercover.

The result was a great day for football supporters and a great day for Cardiff Chief Supt Jeff Cooksley

The Football Association decided to shut the roof to protect the pitch amid heavy rain.

Police gave high praise to supporters for their behaviour and were pleased that their traffic plans worked smoothly.

Southampton followers were confident before kick off

Chief Superintendent Jeff Cooksley said: "Both teams have good reputations and obviously came to the city and enjoyed both the atmosphere and the football.

Bailed

"I am delighted that everyone listened to the advice to come early. The result was a great day for football supporters and a great day for Cardiff."

Two men aged 30 and 35 charged with ticketing offences have been bailed to appear before magistrates on Thursday.

Chief Supt Cooksley said: "Unauthorised ticket selling does cause us concern and has the potential to create public order problems inside the ground".

Police had a dedicated team in Cardiff targeting ticket touts.

With the dome being closed it was just fantastic Arsenal fan Joe Kirkwood

"We will continue to target those involved in this activity but it is a credit to both sets of fans that these were the only arrests made," said Chief Supt Cooksley.

He said overall policing plans had been extremely successful.

Co-operating

"I'm sure that the visiting fans appreciated the ease with which they were able to gain access to the city and we in return would like to thank them for co-operating with the plan," he said.

Cardiff was wet, but the Millennium Stadium rose to the challenge

Southampton fan Richard Woods, 34, from Winchester, said it made the game "electric", despite his disappointment at losing.

Gunners fan, Joe Kirkwood, from Moreton, Surrey, said: "It was a brilliant atmosphere in there and with the dome being closed it was just fantastic."

Liam Well, 29, from London, another Arsenal supporter, said: "What a day."

"Both sets of supporters have been good and the game was great. All in all magnificent.

"I didn't think the covered roof was going to be any good, but it was. It made it all more exciting and I really enjoyed it."

Southampton supporter Isaac Bell, 28, also from London, thought the dome made for a good atmosphere.

The final could have been David Seaman's last game for Arsenal

He said: "We were stuck in with a load of Arsenal supporters, but it was all very good-natured and hands were shaken at the end."

An estimated 600 million viewers in 70 countries saw the game, which tourism officials hope will have helped to raise the profile of Cardiff and Wales.

It was the first time in three years of the FA Cup in Cardiff that rain had dampened supporters' spirits.

But the decision to close the roof should have helped emphasise the advantage the Millennium Stadium has over other venues when the weather is poor.

The final will probably be held in Cardiff until 2005 while Wembley Stadium is being rebuilt.