Arsenal toppled Chelsea to claim their 7th FA Cup victory under Arsene Wenger and their 13th FA Cup victory overall, in a hugely impressive performance that saw the Gunners impose themselves on the game from start to finish.
The Gunners took the lead amid some controversy after Alexis Sanchez appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to his opener, while the goal was initially disallowed after the linesman flagged Aaron Ramsey for offside.
Referee Anthony Taylor, who had missed the handball, reversed the linesman’s decision after some deliberation, as Aaron Ramsey was deemed to have not interfered with play. Victor Moses was then sent off for a second yellow after appearing to dive before Diego Costa levelled the scores for the Blues in the 76th minute.
However, Arsenal almost immediately restored their lead after some fine play from Olivier Giroud found Aaron Ramsey in the penalty area, with the Welshman powering home his header to score what would be the eventual winner of the match.
Several Arsenal players took to Twitter after the game to celebrate the victory, with Mesut Ozil leading the proceedings by posting a video from the dressing room.
Nothing beats that winning feeling … ??? #YaGunnersYa #FACup #champions @Alexis_Sanchez @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/ldGINkppUf
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) May 27, 2017
?enjoy Gunners ? this is for you ??⚪️ @ Wembley Stadium https://t.co/9HwmBSP3Gd
— Alexis Sánchez (@Alexis_Sanchez) May 27, 2017
#FACupFinal #COYG ? pic.twitter.com/vxpPoxMOnL
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 27, 2017
What a feeling ??? So proud of the boys today! That one was for the fans, you’ve been amazing ?? #COYG ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/74v98o4qDh
— Alex Ox-Chamberlain (@Alex_OxChambo) May 27, 2017
Oooooooooooooo ????? pic.twitter.com/Ohe4qdYN0p
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) May 28, 2017
The Arsenal ? pic.twitter.com/WMlcJk6XyQ
— Rob Holding (@RobHolding95) May 27, 2017
CHAMPIONS!!!! So Proud of the team and fans today! #COYG ? pic.twitter.com/BbBsiS2pK9
— Nacho Monreal (@_nachomonreal) May 27, 2017
?☝️ pic.twitter.com/0U10MM360l
— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennyM) May 27, 2017
FA Cup Winners, a great feeling to lift the trophy again! Proud of the team and our fans #WeAreTheArsenal#COYG?pic.twitter.com/oaKMyRRD5j
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) May 27, 2017
Arsenal fans were also understandably ecstatic after finally seeing some results on the pitch after what has been one of the most difficult seasons the fans have had to endure, with many having their say on Arsene Wenger.
I hope Wenger steps down on a high, it’s the perfect farewell. I just believe he’s taken us as far as he can, it’s been an emotional season
— Mr DT © (@MrDtAFC) May 28, 2017
Feel so conflicted over Arsenal.
We won a devalued trophy so Wenger stays.
Yet if we played like that every week, I’d never complain. #afc— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 28, 2017
I’ve said before that I’d be happy with a new deal for Wenger if he could deliver a trophy & I stand by that. Give him a year. #WeGoAgain
— FK³ (@fkhanage) May 28, 2017
Wenger should go now, on a high with the trophy he loves so much.
Perfect time for him to leave.
He won’t, but he should. #afc— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 28, 2017
How can you hate this man? He loves the club and he deserves a lot more respect than the abuse. ❤ #AFC #Wenger pic.twitter.com/tC4Zm0neCQ
— Jahan Miah (@AllAboutTheAFC) May 28, 2017
Wenger won that game today. He rallied the players. Made changes. Gave them purpose and inspiration. Has won 9 out of last 10. G
— Graham Perry (@arsenalcircular) May 27, 2017
Many also heaped praise on Alexis Sanchez, while some hoped that he would stay on at the club, after the Chilean was excellent yet again against Chelsea during the match.
Alexis Sanchez this season :
51 games
30 goals
15 assistsKeep him, Ozil and Ox. Buy 3 players. Do it @Arsenal.
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) May 28, 2017
I’m not saying Sanchez is as talented technically as Hazard, but on day like that, when a big game must be won, I’d prefer to have Alexis.
— GoonerGordo (@GoonerGordo) May 28, 2017
My end of season wishes
Sanchez
Özil
OxAll sign extensions.
Thanking you kindly.
— Princess Gooner?? (@GoonerGirl1969) May 28, 2017
The club needs to do everything they can now to get Sanchez, Özil & Chamberlain to sign their contracts. Huge summer ahead
— Bergkamp & Bergkamp (@Orangeiceman10) May 27, 2017
Most goals scored for Arsenal at Wembley:
Alexis Sanchez (5)
Marc Overmars (3)
Ian Wright (3)El Niño Maravilla. ? pic.twitter.com/Swdh8wAeqk
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 27, 2017
Per Mertesacker also came in for some much-deserved praise after a phenomenal performance despite playing in the new 3-4-3 formation for the first time and having made only one appearance prior to the match over the course of the season.
PER MERTESACKER THIS SEASON:
STARTS: 1
TROPHIES: 1??? pic.twitter.com/mqlzW3Kp6i
— UberArsenal™ (@UberAFC) May 27, 2017
One start. One trophy. Bravo, @mertesacker. Captain. Leader. Giraffe. Man of the Match.
— FK³ (@fkhanage) May 27, 2017
Actual tears at a Per Mertesacker masterclass. Bloke hasn’t played all year and pulls that off. What a guy.
— Tim Lewis (@tim_lewis85) May 27, 2017
This Per Mertesacker display is the greatest argument I’ve ever seen that ‘match fitness’ doesn’t exist. He’s amazing!
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) May 27, 2017
So Wenger can adapt, Mertesacker can still perform, Arsenal can do it without Cazorla, Mesut does do it in big games.
Myth busting is fun.— Lewis (@LGAmbrose) May 27, 2017
Per Mertesacker emptying his pocket when he gets back. pic.twitter.com/tGNVg0ev2X
— TheArseneView (@TheArseneView) May 27, 2017
I don’t know where Mertesacker has been all season while he was injured but wherever it was, Wenger needs to send all of his defenders there
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) May 27, 2017
Mertesacker stayed out all season only to come back and Captain Arsenal to FA cup glory. What a man! BFG for a reason. Hero!!
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) May 27, 2017
