Arsenal will play Chelsea in the FA Cup final after battling back to beat Manchester City 2-1 after extra-time in Sunday’s semi-final at Wembley, reported AFP.
Despite trailing to Sergio Aguero’s second half opener, Arsene Wenger’s side staged a gritty revival as Nacho Monreal equalised before Alexis Sanchez netted the winner in the additional period.
Arsenal’s record 20th FA Cup final appearance gives them a chance to end a difficult season by lifting the trophy for the third time in the last four years. It also ended City manager Pep Guardiola’s chance to win a trophy in his debut season in England, and is also the first time in his career he is ending the season empty-handed.
Despite dominating the middle of the park for large spells during the game, the Sky Blues failed to find the net. Midfielder Yaya Toure in particular, had a terrific outing and hit the post on one occasion.
Arsenal’s backline was ripped to shreds for the game’s opener but Monreal classy finish from a sumptuous cross from Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain took the game to extra-time. Toure and Fabian Delph came close to scoring for City while young Arsenal defender Rob Holding nearly became a hero after missing the top corner with a header from a corner.
Sanchez, though, showed excellent composure and finesse from a tight angle to poke the ball past Claudio Bravo. Chelsea and Arsenal last met in an FA Cup final in 2002, a contest that the Gunners won 2-0.