This time last year, a sort of tension arose in everyone related to the Arsenal family. 9 years without a trophy it had been. 3 finals that we had lost out on. The tension was if we had enough fire power to really end the drought.
A superb comeback last season to end that drought promised a lot of things. One was that of progress. It made everyone associated with the club feel that progress is being made and the club is moving in the right direction.
This was vindicated by signings of world class talent like Alexis Sanchez. However fast forward to this year, although finishing in a higher position than last season, we had fewer points. Not scoring 3 games in a row at home did not help.
Fans frustrations was alarmingly high. A win and most of that would settle down. A win and history would be made. 12 FA Cups, never before by any club. 6 FA Cups for Arsene, would be the highest ever for a manager post war.
Szczesny started in goal. In front of him a now familiar backline of Bellerin, Kosc, BFG and Monreal stood. Coquelin who has been excellent since his return from loan, started alongside Cazorla.
Ozil started as no 10, with Ramsey and Alexis on the flanks. Unsurprisingly given Giroud's lack of form and Walcott's hattrick, Walcott started as the lone striker.
One player Aston Villa had that we had to be vary of was obviously the big Belgian Benteke.
FIRST HALF
It was extremely important to prevent a start similar to last season. So Arsenal started on the front foot. Controlling possession whilst attacking at a good tempo.
The first chance fell to Koscielny, Sanchez crossing for the Frenchman, whose header was well pushed away by Shay Given.
The first clear chance fell to Theo Walcott. Ozil crossing for the Englishman to have a goal gaping at his feet. His shot was somehow blocked off by Richardson close to the line.
For all of Arsenal's domination they had nothing to show. Aston Villa had done nothing, but could well have been confident given the scoreline.
However with 5 minutes remaining in the half, Arsenal took the lead. Nacho Monreal crossing for Alexis to win a header against Villain's centre backs, Theo smashing a left footed volley into the net.
A well deserved goal and crucially right at half time. Also the decision to start Walcott vindicated.
It finished 1-0 to the Arsenal at half time.
SECOND HALF
The second half started in a way most fans would have dreamt of. Alexis Sanchez, who has been one of our best players this season, smacking an effort that dipped and curved in so many ways that Shay Given could only watch it drop into the net and smile at the effort.
It was a goal that showed how much Alexis loves Wembley! 4 goals in 4 appearances there. The celebrations had already started. Aston Villa seemed dead on ideas.
Only a Shay Given save prevented Arsenal from increasing the lead.
Arsenal did take a 3-0 lead. Mert shouldering the ball via a Cazorla corner. The game now was certainly over.
The cherry was added on top of the cake, when substitute Giroud, who loves playing against Aston Villa and in general in the FA Cup scored his trademark nearpost flick to give a 4-0 lead to the team.
The final whistle was greeted by huge cheers and Wembley, our 2nd home, was filled like a sea of Yellow.
PLAYER RATINGS
1: Wojiech Szczesny (7.5): Did extremely well to be on his toes and clear every attempt that was aimed at Benteke. Good work Woj.
39: Hector Bellerin (8): Had a great game both defensively and offensively.
6: Laurent Koscielny (8.5): Along with Woj and BFG did a great job to prevent Benteke from even having a sniff.
4: Per Mertesacker (8): Great end to the season for our German.
18: Nacho Monreal (8): Been one of our best performers this season and was great to see him and Le Boss celebrating together in the end.
34: Francis Coquelin (9): Was superb to say the least. Literally every pass Aston Villa attempted was Coq-blocked! Superb job.
19: Santi Cazorla (9): Man of Match according to sponsors. Was excellent through out.
16: Aaron Ramsey (8): As usual showed fantastic work rate and created chances for the team. Had a couple for himself as well.
17: Alexis Sanchez (9): What. A. Goal. An assist as well.
11: Mesut Ozil (9): His best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Went past Villa players like they weren't there. Great to see him perform when it mattered.
14: Theo Walcott (8): Scored a good goal, really got into life in the 2nd half. He should have scored more. But great to see his off the ball runs.
SUBSTITUTES:
10: Jack Wilshere (7.5): Decent performance.
12: Olivier Giroud (7.5): Scored his trademark goal.
15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7.5): Good assist right at the end for Giroud's goal.
CELEBRATIONS
A superb comeback last season to end that drought promised a lot of things. One was that of progress. It made everyone associated with the club feel that progress is being made and the club is moving in the right direction.
This was vindicated by signings of world class talent like Alexis Sanchez. However fast forward to this year, although finishing in a higher position than last season, we had fewer points. Not scoring 3 games in a row at home did not help.
Fans frustrations was alarmingly high. A win and most of that would settle down. A win and history would be made. 12 FA Cups, never before by any club. 6 FA Cups for Arsene, would be the highest ever for a manager post war.
Szczesny started in goal. In front of him a now familiar backline of Bellerin, Kosc, BFG and Monreal stood. Coquelin who has been excellent since his return from loan, started alongside Cazorla.
Ozil started as no 10, with Ramsey and Alexis on the flanks. Unsurprisingly given Giroud's lack of form and Walcott's hattrick, Walcott started as the lone striker.
One player Aston Villa had that we had to be vary of was obviously the big Belgian Benteke.
FIRST HALF
It was extremely important to prevent a start similar to last season. So Arsenal started on the front foot. Controlling possession whilst attacking at a good tempo.
The first chance fell to Koscielny, Sanchez crossing for the Frenchman, whose header was well pushed away by Shay Given.
The first clear chance fell to Theo Walcott. Ozil crossing for the Englishman to have a goal gaping at his feet. His shot was somehow blocked off by Richardson close to the line.
For all of Arsenal's domination they had nothing to show. Aston Villa had done nothing, but could well have been confident given the scoreline.
However with 5 minutes remaining in the half, Arsenal took the lead. Nacho Monreal crossing for Alexis to win a header against Villain's centre backs, Theo smashing a left footed volley into the net.
A well deserved goal and crucially right at half time. Also the decision to start Walcott vindicated.
It finished 1-0 to the Arsenal at half time.
SECOND HALF
The second half started in a way most fans would have dreamt of. Alexis Sanchez, who has been one of our best players this season, smacking an effort that dipped and curved in so many ways that Shay Given could only watch it drop into the net and smile at the effort.
It was a goal that showed how much Alexis loves Wembley! 4 goals in 4 appearances there. The celebrations had already started. Aston Villa seemed dead on ideas.
Only a Shay Given save prevented Arsenal from increasing the lead.
Arsenal did take a 3-0 lead. Mert shouldering the ball via a Cazorla corner. The game now was certainly over.
The cherry was added on top of the cake, when substitute Giroud, who loves playing against Aston Villa and in general in the FA Cup scored his trademark nearpost flick to give a 4-0 lead to the team.
The final whistle was greeted by huge cheers and Wembley, our 2nd home, was filled like a sea of Yellow.
PLAYER RATINGS
1: Wojiech Szczesny (7.5): Did extremely well to be on his toes and clear every attempt that was aimed at Benteke. Good work Woj.
39: Hector Bellerin (8): Had a great game both defensively and offensively.
6: Laurent Koscielny (8.5): Along with Woj and BFG did a great job to prevent Benteke from even having a sniff.
4: Per Mertesacker (8): Great end to the season for our German.
18: Nacho Monreal (8): Been one of our best performers this season and was great to see him and Le Boss celebrating together in the end.
34: Francis Coquelin (9): Was superb to say the least. Literally every pass Aston Villa attempted was Coq-blocked! Superb job.
19: Santi Cazorla (9): Man of Match according to sponsors. Was excellent through out.
16: Aaron Ramsey (8): As usual showed fantastic work rate and created chances for the team. Had a couple for himself as well.
17: Alexis Sanchez (9): What. A. Goal. An assist as well.
11: Mesut Ozil (9): His best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Went past Villa players like they weren't there. Great to see him perform when it mattered.
14: Theo Walcott (8): Scored a good goal, really got into life in the 2nd half. He should have scored more. But great to see his off the ball runs.
SUBSTITUTES:
10: Jack Wilshere (7.5): Decent performance.
12: Olivier Giroud (7.5): Scored his trademark goal.
15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7.5): Good assist right at the end for Giroud's goal.
CELEBRATIONS