The Gunners have secured five back to back wins to end their Premier League campaign on a high note, yet they missed out on a top-four finish to Liverpool for the first time in twenty years. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal boss, who holds a great FA Cup record ( Arsenal won it 12 times, joint highest numbers of FA Cup trophies alongside Manchester United) sighted a win against Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley to shake off season’s misfortunes and restore faith with a silverware.
Chelsea, the 7 times FA Cup champions, were confident of a win against their bitter rivals and Antonio Conte was hopeful to mark his debut Premier League campaign with a domestic double. The high-voltage encounter instantiated in an electrifying atmosphere, however, it ended 2-1 in favour of the Gunners who record their 13th FA Cup title and signed off an apparent disastrous campaign with a silverware.
Arsenal Players Rated and Slated In Their Win Against Chelsea
David Ospina: 6.5
Made a crucial stop to deny Diego Costa’s thumping strike in the first half. Parried away Victor Moses’ effort minutes into second half. Should have done a lot better to stop Costa’s deflected strike as he conceded at his near post far too easily. But the Colombian did exceptionally well to deny the Spaniard from equalising once more by pushing away a brilliant low drive from close range.
Rob Holding: 6.5
Struggled against Diego Costa’s physicality and movements, however, the youngster settled in with time and did a commanding job in the three-man backline. Made some vital clearances towards the end to keep the lead intact.
Per Mertesacker: 8
Made his first start in this campaign which is probably his last for the Gunners. The German centre-back used his experience to hold the back three and pulled off crucial blocks and clearances to deny Chelsea attackers. Proved why he is acknowledged worldwide and hailed as a big game player.
Nacho Monreal: 7
Sloppy at times while passing the ball, the Spaniard was decent otherwise. Made a few crucial interceptions and blocked a few moves down the left-hand flank to neutralise Pedro’s cut-ins.
Hector Bellerin: 7.5
Burst down the right wing to form counter attacks and whipped in a few exquisite crosses following some ambitious runs. Had a huge chance to double the lead, but his low strike in the second half was well saved by Courtois. Could have made it 3-1 in closing minutes, however, his effort struck the woodwork.
Aaron Ramsey: 8
Ramsey did well to switch the game in both flanks from the middle of the park and constructed a few movements from midfield. He scored the winning goal minutes after Costa’s equaliser as he picked up Giroud’s cross and buried it into the back of the net. His late effort to wrap the game up in injury time was blocked down by Azpilicueta.
Granit Xhaka: 7
The Swiss international was combative and screened his defense masterly when Chelsea were piling pressure in search of an equaliser during the second half. Much
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7
Chamberlain returned to the squad following his hamstring injury and started the game as a left wing-back. The Englishman justified his inclusion with a solid display down the left-hand flank as he combined well with Alexis Sanchez and kept on making forward runs and whipping crosses. Was taken off to be replaced by Francis Coquelin towards the end.
Mesut Ozil: 7
A brilliant outing by the German international who kept on troubling the Chelsea back-line with his skills, runs and link-up play. Combined well with Sanchez up front and was unlucky as his effort struck the woodwork in closing minutes.
Alexis Sanchez: 7.5
The Chilean has been the Gunners star performer throughout the campaign and he scored his 30th goal of this season with an early low strike under Courtois. Was replaced in closing second by Mohamed Elneny.
Danny Welbeck: 7
Welbeck impressed with his movements and kept the Chelsea back-line on his toes. Was unlucky as his header struck the woodwork during the first half. Was taken off minutes after Chelsea’s equaliser to be replaced by Olivier Giroud.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud: 7.5
The Frenchman did extremely well to break forward before holding off his marker and cut inside to chip a cross over to Ramsey who found the back of the net.
Francis Coquelin: NA
Earned a booking within 20 seconds after coming on. Played too little to warrant a rating.
Mohamed Elneny: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
