Arsenal lift the FA Cup for a record 13th time

Arsenal clinched the FA Cup title for a record 13th time after they earned a well-deserved victory over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday. The Gunners dominated proceedings from the off with Alexis Sanchez curling in a goal from close range – with a suspicion of offside, which was overruled by referee Anthony Taylor.

Arsene Wenger’s side therein looked home for the much of the first period with both Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey hitting the woodwork while David Ospina made a match-winning save versus Diego Costa on the other end.

In the second half, the Gunners placed emphasis on their defence with the Blues fighting hard to find a way back into the game. Victor Moses, who had been booked earlier in the 57th minute, received his marching orders 10 minutes later after he is dived in the box in the desperate search for a penalty.

From then, the north London club looked at home to clinch their third FA Cup title in four seasons, but Diego Costa had other thoughts in mind as he put things level with a brilliant close-range effort which deflected off Mertesacker into the net – following a tame effort from Ospina.

However, the Blues’ joy was shortlived with substitute Olivier Giroud distributing a brilliant volley pass to Aaron Ramsey who headed from close range to clinch the winner. The Giroud-Ramsey partnership was key to the 2014 FA Cup success, and they managed to replicate a similar feat three years later.

Prior to the game, doubts were placed on how Per Mertesacker would adapt to his first start of the campaign, but the Big German acted brilliantly as the sweeper in the back three as he put in a performance capable of commanding the man of the match accolade.

The former Germany international will have just a year on left on his Gunners deal this summer, and it looks likely that he may bid farewell to the club alongside others including David Ospina, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez,

Image – Getty