Arsenal won the FA Cup for a record 13th time in a thrilling final by
beating 10-man Chelsea, who were denied a league and cup double.
The result means Arsene Wenger is the most successful manager in the competition's history with seven victories.
The
Gunners had controversially taken the lead in the fifth minute through
Alexis Sanchez, but the linesman had his flag up for Aaron Ramsey, who
was stood in an offside position. Ramsey did not touch the ball,
allowing Sanchez to run through and slot in.
Arsenal dominated the
first half and could have doubled their advantage but Danny Welbeck
struck the woodwork with a header and Ramsey chested the ball against
the same post on the follow-up.
Victor Moses forced David Ospina
into a fine save in the second period, before the Chelsea wing-back was
given a second yellow card on 68 minutes for diving in the penalty area.
With
14 minutes remaining, the Blues got back into the game through Diego
Costa's shot that bobbled in, but Ramsey headed in the winner just two
minutes later. The Welshman had also scored the winning goal in the 2014
cup final against Hull.
Arsenal could have had another late on, but Mesut Ozil struck the post from inside the area.
Wenger
had major selection issues with Laurent Koscielny suspended and both
Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel injured, so centre-back Per Mertesacker was
given his first start of the season. The German defender put in a
dominant display to keep Costa quiet.
Chelsea failed to gain
revenge for the 2002 final, which Arsenal won 2-0, and the result ends
their run of four consecutive final victories.
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