Arsenal will have the chance to add some joyous moments to their season which has been a very gloomy one for them. The Gunners’ inability to hold a spot in the top four for the first time in 20 years will see them participating in the Europa League next season. However, they can still add a silverware to their trophy cabinet on 27th May when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final. This competition has always been the favourite for the Gunners as they have won the competition a record 12 times alongside Manchester United who also have 12 FA Cups in their trophy room.
Despite being on the right track for most of the season, Gunners had a terrible second half as they lost the plot completely. Defeats to smaller teams like Watford, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace did the job as the Gunners failed to make it to the top four in almost two decades. Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-0 earlier in the season which proved to be Chelsea’s start of the revival. The Blues went on to dominate the Premier League as they clinched their second title in three years.
The Arsenal players who will be crucial against Chelsea.
Rob Holding
Laurent Koscielny’s red card against Everton could prove to be very costly as Wenger is sweating over fielding his defence. There is also concern regarding Shkodran Mustafi’s fitness as the German defender might not get fit in time for this important fixture. Wenger has to recall Rob Holding back to the set up to heal the current situation. The signing from Bolton Wanderers has been the surprise performer for the Gunners as he has often been the saviour for the Gunners. Holding has to take this test with utmost sincerity and should he pass this test with good marks he could be a reliable and solid option for Wenger in coming days.
Granit Xhaka
The tactical switch to a three-man defence has given Xhaka more freedom to utilise his potential. The midfielder has sparkled in the last few games and his approach to this vital game will be the key for Wenger’s side. Xhaka’s stock has risen since the unavailability of Santi Cazorla and Wenger would be hoping that the midfielder would show his character in this crunch time. Xhaka will be handed the responsibility to keep N’Golo Kante quiet and should he do his job perfectly Arsenal will have a real chance to win this trophy.
Alexis Sanchez
This might be Sanchez’s last match in an Arsenal shirt as the Chilean has been linked with a number of clubs. The Chilean had a brilliant season run-in to put Arsenal in the current situation. All the eyes will be on him as the Gunners supporters would expect another cracker of a performance from him.
