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No two teams have had more success in the FA Cup since the turn of the century than Arsenal and Chelsea. It was a situation of 'familiar foe' for both the clubs as this was the third time in four years that they had met each other in a cup final.
Chelsea won the Europa League in 2019 while the Red side of London won the FA Cup in 2017. It promised to be a thrilling encounter at the Wembley Stadium and if not thrilling, it surely was controversial.
Arsenal recorded a 2-1 victory at the Wembley Stadium, as they got their hands on the trophy for the 14th time in the club's history.
It was a quick start by Chelsea when their new talisman Christian Pulisic put the Blues in front. Chelsea created a couple of decent chances but could not score another.
It was then Arsenal's turn to dominate and they got their equalizer from a spot-kick after César Azpilicueta brought down Aubameyang in the box.
The start of the second half wasn't a good one for Chelsea as Pulisic pulled his hamstring and made way for Pedro. It was then Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who scored a gem of a goal to get his second and put Arsenal in front.
All went from bad to worse for Chelsea when Mateo Kovacic was sent off in what seemed like a wrong decision by referee Anthony Taylor.
Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners in the end and lifted their 14th FA Cup title. Keeping that in mind, let us take a look at the Hits and Flops from the final of this year's FA Cup.
#5 HIT: Christian Pulisic
Ever since football has resumed, Pulisic has been Chelsea's best player and talisman. The winger got on the scoresheet yet again for the Blues and was involved in every good Chelsea attack.
The American threatened the Arsenal back-line whenever he had the ball at his feet. Sadly for him and Chelsea, he went off with a hamstring injury in the second half.
#4 FLOP: Marcos Alonso
Maybe a surprise name but Alonso did not have a good game. The Spanish defender started brightly and was looking good but as Arsenal grew into the game, Alonso began to lose his edge.
Known to be a very good wing-back when the team is playing three at the back, Alonso offered very little going forward. Struggled to cope up with Bellerin and Pepe on that flank.
Chelsea are desperate to sign a left-back and the reasons are very clear.
#3 HIT: Emiliano Martinez
Bernd Leno's injury seemed to be a significant loss, but boy did Emiliano Martinez take his chance and how. He has been one of Arsenal's best players since football resumed and showed it again tonight.
Having made a decent save from Mount's shot early on, he grew in confidence as the game progressed and stood firm whenever Chelsea attacked. Was dominant inside his area and was good with his distribution as well.
#2 FLOP: Antonio Rudiger
The defence has been a worry for Chelsea all season and Antonio Rudiger has been at fault many a time. He did not help his case in the final and was again a part of a sloppy backline for Chelsea.
He was sluggish throughout the game but the unnecessary failed tackle on Bellerin left a hole in the defence and eventually led to the second goal. Also known for his skills as a ball-playing defender, Rudiger had almost no impact in building from the back. A night to forget for the German.
#1 HIT: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is making a habit of being a serial matchwinner in recent seasons and has established himself as one of the most potent attackers in world football.
Having scored a brace in the semi-final against Manchester City, the Gabonese star once again notched up two important goals for his side. Aubameyang won and scored the penalty for the equalizer, as he brought Arsenal back into the game.
He then went on to score one of the best goals in the FA Cup final after he dinked one over Willy Caballero. He was the star of the final and has been the best player for Arsenal this season by some distance.
