Arsenal are having a tough Premier League campaign as they now have an uphill task to finish within top four for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s realm.
However, the record 12 times FA Cup winners delivered one of their best performances of this season as they secure a 2-1 ( AET) win at Wembley against Manchester City despite falling behind and now enter to the final showdown against arch rivals Chelsea in search of a silverware.
Below are the Arsenal players rated from the game.
Petr Cech: 6
Should have done better with his outing while conceding, however, the Czech international pulled off a fingertip save to push Yaya Toure’s 25-yard strike on to the woodwork minutes after Monreal’s equalizer. Was lucky as he was beaten by Fernandinho’s header which struck the crossbar in closing minutes of regulation time.
Gabriel: 7.5
Was little clumsy in the early stages, but the Brazilian got settled with time and delivered a standout performance with crucial blocks and tackles.
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5
The Frenchman held the three-man back-line from the middle and used his experience to stand firm against City’s attacks.
Rob Holding: 7
The youngster was a little nervy initially with a few untidy clearances, however, he pulled off a few massive blocks and interceptions to deny City a late equaliser.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 8.5
Flourished since shifted to a wing-back role; the Englishman produced another decent performance as he kept on making forward runs and whipped in crosses inside the City box.
Chamberlain did well to pick out Monreal with a well placed ball into the back and the Spaniard made no mistake to finish it into the back of the net. Earned a standing ovation while leaving the pitch to make way for Hector Bellerin.
Granit Xhaka: 6.5
Struggled initially as he was losing possession and could not operate the game from the middle of the park. But the Swiss international improved his game since break; did well in a combative role and also helped his defence to hold the lead.
Aaron Ramsey: 5.5
Was at fault for City’s goal as he was dispossessed outside of the City penalty area that allowed Yaya Toure to break forward and launch a beautiful lofted pass for Sergio Aguero who made no mistake to finish it into the back of the net.
Nacho Monreal: 8
He not only leveled the scoreline in second half but also kept the left-hand flank operational with his runs and crosses. A solid performance from the Spaniard after a long time.
Mesut Ozil: 6.5
Linked up well with Sanchez, Giroud and Welbeck upfront. Came close to score seconds after Aguero’s strike, but his curling strike went just wide of the far post. Was taken off in closing moments of the game to be replaced by Coquelin.
Alexis Sanchez: 7.5
Arsenal’s Player of the Season completed the turnaround for his side as he slotted home in the first half of Extra Time which proved to be the decider of this epic encounter.
Olivier Giroud: 6
Giroud tried to pose an aerial threat in City’s box, but the Frenchman failed to leave an impact and was taken off in closing minutes of the second half to be replaced by Danny Welbeck.
Substitutes
Danny Welbeck: 7.5
Welbeck had an influential cameo as he teed up Sanchez to beat past Claudio Bravo from close range. He himself came close to make it 3-1, but the Englishman put his header just wide of the goal.
Hector Bellerin: 7
Bellerin made a crucial block in a vital moment to deny Fabian Delph from finding a late equaliser.
Francis Coquelin: NA
Came too late to warrant a rating.
