Arsenal have qualified for the FA Cup final after they saw off a challenge from Manchester City in the semi-final on Sunday.
It was a battle of tactics as Arsene Wenger got the better of his counterpart Pep Guardiola in the keenly contested encounter – his eight FA Cup final in 21 years.
Wenger still has a long way to go to appease the Arsenal fans as there is still the risk of not making Champions League next term. However, an FA Cup victory would do something to lubricate the friction.
On a similar note, it is more woes for Guardiola who enjoyed successes at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. His move to the Etihad came with much fanfare but he has failed to live up to expectations in his debut season. He started with ten straight victories in all competitions but he has faltered, lying in third place in the league, aside losses in the Champions League, EFL Cup, and now the FA Cup.
This is the first time the Spaniard would end a term without a trophy in his managerial career. They were the favourites ahead of the Arsenal clash, particularly with their opponent having a poor run. Arsenal were in their fighting gloves as they battled City at Wembley.
Arsenal continued with their 3-4-3 formation that brought them respite against Middlesbrough at Wembley. They were vulnerable at the Riverside Stadium but they worked on them against City. Sergio Aguero opened scoring but Nacho Montreal and Alexis Sanchez responded to send the Gunners back to the lead.
“We have all been through a very difficult period. It left us fragile. We faced some adversity that made the situation difficult, but we’ve shown a united response. I am very proud of our performances and spirit,” Wenger said after the match.
Sanchez continued his brilliant form but his teammates contributed much more. Wenger said the Chilean would remain until next season, probably to end speculations around the player. While Arsenal celebrate their progress Branislav Ivanovic to the final, they have Chelsea to face.