Arsenal were magnificent in a record-breaking 4-0 FA Cup final win on Saturday evening, but who shone brightest?
http://gty.im/475274470
Woijech Szczesny – 7
Largely untested but dealt with Aston Villa’s aerial threat early on. He was a bit keen to come for some balls later in the game, making us bite our nails a little, but the Pole can’t really be criticised for keeping a clean sheet on the back of all that pre-match pressure. Will he be at Arsenal next season? Who knows.
Hector Bellerin – 8
A magnificent breakthrough season for the Spaniard capped with a great performance in the final. Debuchy was in contention to start but Wenger was right to reward Bellerin with a place in the XI. He was an attacking outlet as well as being defensively sound today.
Per Mertesacker – 9
Another FA Cup goal for the BFG! His last three goals have come in the competition and he was delighted at full time. His goal was simple but it was the moment that effectively ended any Villa hope. He was faultless defensively and scored the killer goal.
Laurent Koscielny – 8
Koscielny gave Villa absolutely no chance with another quality performance. He defends on the front foot and made the in form Benteke look invisible. Koscielny is truly a quality defender and him staying fit will be vital to next seasons title challenge.
Nacho Monreal – 8
The Spaniard had another memorable performance today. Again he did not have to do much defensively but when he did he did it with quality and maturity. One impressive burst forward sticks in my mind today. I hope he stays at the club after a great season.
Francis Coquelin – 9
This guy has been the story of the season. The French midfielder was so dominant in the middle of the park, countering any threat that Villa offered. His defensive ability to guard our back four well gives every Arsenal fan that bit more confidence going into these big games. Don’t underestimate his contribution today.
Santi Cazorla – 10
Wow. The Spaniard was being questioned by some as to start or not for this game after he showed signs of fatigue in recent matches. He showed exactly why Wenger was never going to drop him with an unbelievable man of the match performance. For a man of his stature he controls the midfield incredibly well.
Mesut Ozil – 9
The German turned up for the big occasion to silence his doubters. He was central to everything Arsenal did all day, helping the side click. He may be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet for a third time against Villa this season after scoring against them in both league fixtures.
Alexis Sanchez – 9
What a signing this guy was. He has scored 25 goals in his debut season, with none more important and none probably as good as his strike in the final. His dipping long range effort gave the Gunners a comfortable buffer going into the final third of the game. As well as his goal Alexis worked hard throughout to never give Villa a sniff. He also grabbed an amazing assist for the first goal, leaping above the Villa defence to tee up Walcott.
Aaron Ramsey – 8
Last seasons FA Cup hero, Ramsey wasn’t quite as centre stage today in terms of the headlines, but his contribution to the all round play was brilliant. Always getting involved and rarely giving it away, Ramsey excelled in an uncomfortable right wing berth.
Theo Walcott – 8
Walcott started the final as a striker. It’s a move which shows Wenger’s intent to keep him at the club and the player certainly repaid his faith. I now expect Walcott to sign a new four year deal which will see him stay at the club for his prime years. He’s a lovely guy and it was nice for him to score a fine opening goal on the back of last weeks hat-trick.
Subs:
Jack Wilshere – 7
Olivier Giroud – 7