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#3 The trophy drought ends (2014)
As the decade neared to its midway point, Arsenal’s trophy drought was beginning to become a huge deal for the club. They’d won the FA cup in 2004-05, but had not been able to find their hands on any silverware for the following 9 years, meaning the pressure was on when they suddenly became massive favourites to capture the same trophy in 2013-14.
Arsenal defeated Everton 4-1 in the quarter-finals of the tournament, putting them into a semi-final against EFL Championship side Wigan Athletic, with the winner facing off with either League One team Sheffield United or Premier League strugglers Hull City in the final. Surely even the Gunners couldn’t screw this opportunity up?
As it turned out, they nearly did, drawing 1-1 with Wigan in the semis before defeating the Latics 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. That set up a final against Hull, and it was clear from the off that Arsene Wenger’s side were feeling the pressure. The Tigers somehow found themselves in a 2-0 lead after just 8 minutes, and it appeared that Arsenal’s wait for a trophy would continue.
But Wenger’s men were able to show a ton of heart to come back – Santi Cazorla pulling a goal back in the first half before Laurent Koscielny equalised with just under 20 minutes to go. By that point the Gunners’ class was beginning to shine through, with Wenger’s side dominating in all areas, and midway through extra-time, Aaron Ramsey struck a winner to end a painful drought, sparking wild celebrations in North London.
