For the first eight minutes, it seems like the Arsenal loser-ism was going to strike again, but after overcoming the initial shock goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny sent us into overtime, where a fantastic Aaron Ramsey goal gave the gunners a 3-2 lead, their 11th FA Cup trophy and their first title in nine years.
Arsene Wenger might not be their manager next season, but at least he’s leaving with a trophy, something he hasn’t been able to deliver for a very long time. In a an up and down season, maybe the injury to Aaron Ramsey (among others) was the difference between another 4th place finish and a championship, or at least getting close to that.
But right now isn’t the time for pondering the season that was with all of its negatives and positives. Arsenal are tied with Manchester United for most FA Cup trophies (11, as we mentioned) thanks to finally being the team they haven’t been able to for so many years.
Early goals from James Chester and Curtis Davies exposed the usual unprepared, stunned and soft Arsenal side we’ve grown accustomed to. But Hull City aren’t a team built to capitalize on these leads. It’s back to defense and outdated football from that moment, and that was just fine for an Arsenal side that simply wasn’t going to walk away empty handed.
It began with a beautiful Santi Cazorla free kick in the first half, followed by a 71st minute goal from Laurent Koscielny, who was in the right place at the right time almost every season for Arsenal, bringing some sort of importance with his goals.
The best came from the team’s most important players earlier this season in extra time. Olivier Giroud left the ball in the box with a heel to Aaron Ramsey, and the Welshman scored in the 109th minute to send Wembley through the roof.
Hull City were able to trouble Fabianski a couple of more times, but not enough to change the direction of this match. Arsenal still have some strides to do before they’re truly a contender in the Premier League again, but the title drought is over, which might be a stepping stone to much bigger things.