After celebrating avoiding the need for a perilous Champions League qualifier, Arsenal will attempt to end their season on a real high by becoming the most successful club in the 144-year history of the FA Cup. Arsenal will take on Aston Villa at Wembley today looking to seal a 12th triumph and move ahead of Manchester United in the all-time winners’ table. It would also see them repeat their feat of 12 years ago by recording back-to-back triumphs.
And for Arsenal it would be a familiar path to the trophy. Like last year, Arsenal struggled past Championship opposition in the semifinals to set up a meeting with a side that just escaped relegation from the Premier League. Manager Arsène Wenger will now be desperately hoping that there is significantly less drama on Saturday than a year ago.
Arsenal went into the 2014 final against Hull City as overwhelming favorites but within eight minutes found themselves 2-0 down and staring at a latest calamitous failure on the big stage. Instead, Wenger’s side rallied and Aaron Ramsey’s extra-time goal at England’s national stadium brought joy and considerable relief as Arsenal secured their first trophy in nine years.
Source: Thisday
