LONDON – Thanks to goals from Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez, Per Mertesacker and Oliver Giroud, Arsenal claimed their record 12th FA Cup in 18 appearances, 4-0 over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium
The Gunners, currently third on the Barclays League table with 75 points, opened the scoring with a thunderous strike off of a volley from Arsenal striker Theo Walcott at the 40th minute to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Arsenal would extend their advantage over Villa in the second half, thanks to a brilliant strike from Sanchez in the 50th minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Gunners would extend their lead to 3-0 with a score from Mertesacker. Giroud would add the final tally in stoppage time, to make it 4-0.
In front of the likes of the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William—a lifelong fan of the Claret and Blue—and owner Randy Lerner, the Villans looks overwhelmed and outclassed on the Wembley pitch.
Unfortunately for manager Tim Sherwood’s side, who were going for their eighth FA Cup, their bad domestic form—as they are a mere three points above the relegation drop zone with 38 points—followed them from the Birmingham to London.
With the clean sheet, Arsenal becomes the first side to retain the FA Cup since Chelsea did in 2008-09 and 09-10. It is also the second time that they have retained the FA Cup, as they won back-to-back in 2001-02 over Chelsea, 2-0 and in 2002-03 over Southampton, 1-0.
For Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger it is his sixth FA Cup during his long and storied tenure in North London. Their win also breaks a tie at 11 with Manchester United for most FA Cup’s all-time.