With the EPL already concluded, Arsenal still have a shot to end the season on a high. They face Aston Villa in the FA Cup and look to defend it.
Venue:- Wembley Stadium
Kick-off:- 30th May Saturday, 10:00pm
Arsenal will finally heave a sigh of relief. Finishing third in EPL means they directly qualify for Champions League without a need to play in the playoffs. But that doesn't end here, The Gunners will look to repeat what they did 12 years ago, to win back to back FA Cup titles. Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2001-02 season. Winning this time means they would achieve this feat for the second time. This also means that Arsenal will overtake Manchester United in all-time FA Cup winner's table securing their 12th title.
Arsenal often seem to lack lustre in such important cup games, but somehow manage to emerge victorious in the end.
During a Capital One Cup fixture, Arsenal were favourites ahead of minnows Reading to reach the quarter-finals. The North London club saw themselves go down 0-4 within just 37 minutes of play. But they didn't lose hope and made a stunning comeback to win 7-5 and secure the quarter-final berth, courtesy of a Walcott hat-trick and brace from Chamakh.
The previous season too, Arsenal faced Hull City in the FA Cup final and were 0-2 down within just eight minutes of play. But Aaron Ramsey's inspirational performance in the second half helped the side win 3-2 and clinch their 11th title.
This time around, Arsenal will look to leave no stone unturned and produce a top side performance against a side who finished just a place above relegation. A loss in such a high profile game will certainly raise questions on the manager's future.
As for Aston Villa, they look a revived side under Tim Sherwood. They have made it to the FA Cup final and also survived a possible relegation threat. No one would believe that a club who won the European Cup in 1982, hasn't been able to qualify for Champions League during recent times.
The previous fixtures between these two sides were EPL games resulting in Arsenal running riot. Arsenal hit an amazing eight goals and conceded none in these two games. They won the first fixture 3-0 and the second fixture 5-0.
KEY PLAYERS:-
Arsenal: With Danny Welbeck set to miss the final due an injury, Olivier Giroud will be able to steal the show. Theo Walcott too could be impressive after he hit a first half hat-trick against West Brom on Sunday.
Aston Villa: Christian Benteke has been the best so far for the Villans. High expectations are made from him. Tom Cleverly will be crucial in the midfield.
Catch the LIVE commentary of the Final on the 30th of May at 10pm on dnaindia.com
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