Arsenal to meet Chelsea in FA Cup final News

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Arsenal to meet Chelsea in FA Cup final

By Victor Okoye on April 24, 2017

Alexis Sanchez scored an extra-time goal as Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley to reach their 20th FA Cup final on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this victory means it will be Arsenal’s third FA Cup final appearance in four seasons.

City, who lost David Silva to a first-half injury, went ahead in the 62nd minute when Sergio Aguero raced through the opponents’ defence to score.

Nacho Monreal volleyed in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross to equalise in the 72nd minute, though Yaya Toure hit the bar for City before extra time.

Sanchez then swept in when City failed to clear Mesut Ozil’s free-kick after 101 minutes.

Guardiola made his fourth substitution of the match throwing in Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho in a desperate tactical move in the 106th minute.

He replaced Raheem Sterling who came in earlier in the first half for the injured Silva.

However, the attacking force of Manchester City failed to break down a resolute Arsenal defence.

Iheanacho squirted a header wide under pressure in one of the last goal scoring chances of the match.

Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger in his post-match said it was a great team performance.

“I am very proud of our performance and spirit. I felt we became stronger. In the first half maybe we were a bit cautious, accepting to be dominated, and then we became stronger and stronger.

“It was a very tight game, but overall I think we deserve to win the game.

“We went through a difficult period. I will talk one day about that. I feel players showed great togetherness today.

“I am very pleased, it was a big game today. Overall it was a great performance not only technically but mentally.

We became stronger and in the end deserved to win the game.

“The team performance was there..When the players give their best and are completely focused you always stand up for them.

“We were close to scoring and on the break they are very good. We lost the ball and conceded the goal but we showed the right response.”

Asked about his future, Wenger said: “People can question my decision but not my loyalty and commitment to the club.”

Also, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “In games like this, you can’t expect to control all the situations but we did most of the time.

“We performed like we would want to in a final match. We did absolutely everything. Congratulations to Arsenal.

“We’ll improve next season. We competed here, we had more chances but the finishing was like it has been throughout the season.

“We played like we wanted to and that’s all. We are sad but tomorrow we have to stand up to finish the games we still have to play.

“I don’t have regrets about the team. We just have to compete in these games. We are here for the results. Next season we will be stronger.”

Arsenal will face Chelsea in the final match at Wembley on May 27.

Just like the previous Premiership game against Middlesbrough, Wenger played three men at the back.

Rob Holding started once more in the rejigged Defence.The England Under-21 international – making just his 12th appearance in Arsenal colours – was partnered by Gabriel and captain Laurent Koscielny in a backline designed to add stability to a team that had previously been leaking goals.

It meant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s eye-catching performance at right wing-back at the Riverside saw him rewarded with another opportunity to impress, while Nacho Monreal continued on the opposite flank.

The only change to the match-day squad saw Danny Welbeck take his place on the bench after recovering sufficiently from a toe injury, with Mohamed Elneny dropping out. (NAN)

•Photo shows Nacho Monreal of Arsenal after scoring Arsenal’s equaliser, Sunday night at Wembley.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 24, 2017