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 end up 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 campaign in England 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 apparently disastrous campaign with a trophy.
Chelsea Players Rated and Slated In Their Disappointing Defeat Vs Arsenal
Thibaut Courtois: 5
Made a few decent saves, but was at fault for Sanchez’s early strike which resulted from a poor quick throw of the Belgian. Could have suffered further embarrassment if Gary Cahill had not made off-the-line clearances on a couple of occasions.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6.5
Started on the right-hand side of Chelsea’s back three and did well to contain Alexis Sanchez. Made some crucial blocks and interceptions, however, the Spaniard could not alter the fate of the game.
David Luiz: 5.5
Although the Brazilian pulled off a few crucial tackles and clearances, it was an off day for David Luiz at the centre of three man back-line as he struggled to keep hold of Welbeck and later Giroud.
Gary Cahill: 6.5
Two off the line clearances in the first half helped his side avoid further embarrassment. Tried hard to hold the defence firm using his experience which did not work out against the rejuvenated Gunners.
Victor Moses: 4.5
The Nigerian international missed an opportunity to equalise early in the second half and later received his marching order by the referee following two bookings, the last for a blatant dive.
Nemanja Matic: 5
Failed to control the game in midfield and was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Cesc Fabregas.
N’Golo Kante: 5.5
Kante too struggled against Xhaka and Ramsey and failed to keep hold of the midfield like he usually does.
Marcos Alonso: 5
Made some ambitious runs down the left flank but failed to make any noteworthy contributions. Also struggled defensively as he did not help his back-line against Arsenal’s frequent attacking threats.
Pedro: 5
Was well contained by Nacho Monreal and failed to have an impact before being replaced by Willian in the second half.
Eden Hazard: 6
Hazard lacked support from midfield and despite making some ambitious runs and dribbles, the Belgian wizard could not alter the scoreline.
Diego Costa: 7
Costa did well to chest the ball down from Willian’s cross and fired into the bottom left corner to equalise. He had another glorious opportunity in the closing minutes to level the scoreline once more, but his thumping low effort from close range was pushed away by Ospina. Was replaced by Batshuayi towards the end.
Substitutes
Cesc Fabregas: 6.5
Was brought in place of Matic. His movements and composure helped his side to gain control of midfield before finding the equaliser which, however, did not matter at the end.
Willian: 7
Made an impact from the bench as his lovely cross was chested resulted in the goal for Diego Costa.
Michy Batshuayi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
