Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey helped Arsenal beat 10-man Chelsea 2-1 to win the FA Cup for a record 13th time.
Arsenal took a fourth-minute lead through Alexis Sanchez in controversial circumstances when Aaron Ramsey, who was in offside position, decided against touching the ball, allowing the Chilean to surge forward and fire past Thibaut Courtois from close range.
It was the first time that Chelsea had been behind in the FA Cup this season but Antonio Conte’s side were lucky not to concede a second goal as Arsenal dominated the first-half.
Gary Cahill cleared off the line on 15 minutes as Mesut Ozil went close to doubling Arsenal’s lead, before a Danny Welbeck header struck the foot of Chelsea’s post from a corner three minutes later with Aaron Ramsey unable to turn in the rebound.
Chelsea looked off the pace and in the 29th minute Cahill was again required to clear off the line as Arsenal, on the counter-attack, went close through Welbeck. Soon after Granit Xhaka forced a good save from Courtois with a firm volley from outside the area.
After the break Chelsea were able to get more of a footing in the game but were reduced to 10 men on 67 minutes when Victor Moses was shown a second yellow card for simulation.
Despite being a man down Chelsea pulled level in the 76th minute when substitute Willian picked out Diego Costa in the box, allowing him to control with his chest and score.
Chelsea’s reprieve was short-lived though as another substitute, Olivier Giroud, crossed for Aaron Ramsey to head home in the 79th minute and restore Arsenal’s deserved advantage.
Mesut Ozil came close to adding a third in the closing stages when he struck the post having beaten Cesar Azpilicueta but, despite Chelsea’s best efforts, Arsenal saw out the win.
Credit: ESPN
