Ian Ridley wrote in The Independent on Sunday of 17 May 1998: "Where Arsenal played legato, Newcastle were staccato in their passing and though they enjoyed a purple patch after raising the tempo in the second half, twice hitting the goal frame, they were largely limp opposition." The Guardian football correspondent David Lacey was in awe of the double winners' performance, writing "There have been more distinguished Wembley triumphs but it is hard to remember a final being won with the sheet pace of Arsenal's victory over Newcastle on Saturday."
Ian Ridley wrote in The Independent on Sunday of 17 May 1998: "Arsenal played smoothly, whereas Newcastle's passing was choppy and although they briefly improved after speeding up their pace in the second half, they were largely ineffective opponents." David Lacey from The Guardian was amazed by Arsenal's performance, stating that there have been more notable Wembley wins but it is hard to remember a match being won with such speed as Arsenal's victory over Newcastle.