Arsenal had to rely on a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace as they secured the FA Cup title, thanks to a narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea in the final. The Gunners were pegged back early through a wonder goal from Christian Pulisic. But, his ex-Dortmund teammate Aubameyang came to the rescue, scoring goals in each half to help his club win their first title under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal Players Rated Against Chelsea
Emiliano Martinez 8/10
Emiliano Martinez was clearly beaten by Pulisic for Chelsea’s opener. But that was a minor blip in an otherwise top-class display from the goalkeeper. Indeed, the Argentine was convincing throughout the game and made one excellent save from a Mason Mount effort. His decisive goalkeeping was important in helping Arsenal win the FA Cup.
Rob Holding 7.5/10
Rob Holding had a difficult time dealing with the threat of Christian Pulisic early on in the game. However, he had to do very little defensive work once Arsenal started dominating the game.
David Luiz 8/10
David Luiz had a fairly comfortable evening up against Olivier Giroud. In fact, the Brazilian’s physical and aerial prowess were key in helping Arsenal deal with Chelsea’s offensive pressure. Was unfortunate to pick up a late injury, forcing him to come off.
Kieran Tierney 8/10
Kieran Tierney may have been a little more competent in blocking Pulisic’s effort for the opener. Other than that, the Scot was excellent, building brilliant communication with his defensive teammates and helping Arsenal keep out the Chelsea attack. He also provided the long ball that led to Aubameyang winning the penalty.
Hector Bellerin 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin’s driving run played a key role in the build-up to the second goal from Arsenal. Defensively, he did make one questionable tackle on Marcos Alonso late in the game but was overall solid.
Granit Xhaka 7.5/10
Granit Xhaka was lucky not to be penalised by the ref for his challenges. In fairness, though, the Swiss international controlled the game pretty well, preventing Chelsea from dominating the game in the middle of the park. Showed excellent determination and aggression that were essential in helping Arsenal seal a narrow victory.
Dani Ceballos 7.5/10
Dani Ceballos was once again bright tonight. He dictated the game with his excellent passing and distribution and was always on the lookout for that defence threading through ball. Also looked courageous in winning possession in what may be his last game for the Gunners.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was one of Arsenal’s best performers during the early parts of the game. The Englishman impressed with his forays down the left flank although his influence waned as the game progressed. He instead provided solidity on the left side, later in the game.
Nicolas Pepe 8.5/10
Nicolas Pepe had an eventful game this evening. He was the most active Arsenal attacker throughout the game as he created a lot of problems on the right flank. The Ivorian’s quick feet, willingness to run in behind the backline and a vicious left-foot helped Arsenal constantly bombard the Chelsea backline.
Alexandre Lacazette 7.5/10
Yet another hard-working attacking display from Alexandre Lacazette this evening. The Frenchman made the effort of tracking back, allowing Aubameyang to shift into a central role. Also made a host of useful runs before being taken off late in the game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 9/10
Aubameyang was, without a doubt, the best performer on the pitch. He was smart to win the penalty initially and was cool to convert it. Later in the second half, the Gabonese showcased a brilliant piece of finish to first beat Antonio Rudiger and then loop the ball over Willy Caballero for the winner.
SUBSTITUTES
Eddie Nketiah 6.5/10
Replaced the tiring Lacazette in the 81st minute and provided more freshness to the attack. May have done a little better in one of the counter-attacks.
Sokratis N/A
Came on for the injured Luiz during the late stages of the game, helping Arsenal see out their narrow lead. It was his first appearance since the restart.
Sead Kolasinac N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Tierney.
