FA Cup
FA CUP FINAL LIVE : FULL ARTETA BECOMES 18TH MAN TO WIN FA CUP AS A PLAYER AND AS A MANAGER!
90+7min: Pedro won’t be able to see this one out. He has been stretchered off and is being given air. It looked like a horrible shoulder injury, and that’s another cruel blow for Frank Lampard and his coaching staff.
Sead Kolasinac is about to be introduced for Arsenal as they look to kill a few more seconds.
GAME STOPPED MOMENTARILY:
90+6min: Pedro is down and clutching his shoulder. The substitute ran into Sokratis inside the penalty area, and the Arsenal defender was able to shepherd the ball back to Emiliano Martinez.
Chelsea appealed for a foul right on the edge of the box just before then after Nicolas Pepe challenged Pedro, but the referee deemed there was nothing doing.
AUBAMEYANG ANNOUNCED AS MAN OF THE MATCH
90+5min: Two minutes left at Wembley. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been announced as the man of the match over the tannoy.
Emi Martinez saves
It’s fair to say the Arsenal goalkeeper has had a sensational game.
The Argentinian has only had one call-up from his country so far and probably wouldn’t have been playing had Bernd Leno not got injured.
But he’s been all over everything entering the box, especially in the last few minutes.
Injury time
We’re approaching SEVEN minutes of stoppage time.
Arsenal are, shall we say, manipulating the clock.
But Chelsea surely have time to concoct one more opportunity…
89min: Ross Barkley has been booked after challenging Eddie Nketiah right in front of referee Anthony Taylor. Time is running out for Chelsea and, as it stands, they look unlikely to get that leveller
SUBSTITUTION
87min: Sokratis is on in place of the injured David Luiz after a bit of faffing around. He wasn’t immediately prepared to come on, but finally jogged on to the field after a classic piece of time wasting
Post update
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
It’s now or never for Chelsea but they are pinned back into their own territory at the moment.
SUBSTITUTION
82min: Alexandre Lacazette has been replaced by Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal’s first switch of the evening.
81min: VAR scare for Arsenal and their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez! Tammy Abraham was certain the stopper handled the ball outside his area after a long punt forward, but a check showed that he gathered narrowly on the right side of the line.
SUBSTITUTIONS
79min: Chelsea have made a triple substitution. Ross Barkley, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi have replaced Mason Mount, Olivier Giroud and Antonio Rudiger.
Arsenal are yet to make their first change.
ARTETA MAKES BOOKING HISTORY!
77min: History at the national stadium. Mikel Arteta has become the first manager to be booked in an FA Cup final after a confrontation with Antonio Rudiger. The Chelsea defender was also shown a yellow card as tensions flared.
75min: It really is all kicking off at Wembley! The players took their second drinks break after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s double and Andreas Christensen required treatment after clattering into Hector Bellerin.
The Arsenal full back played a key role in that goal, having hurtled forwards down the field before being tackled. The ball then fell loose to Pepe, and the rest is history.
RED CARD!
73min: Almost the same time Nigeria’s Victor Moses was sent off three years ago in similar fixture, Mateo Kovacic has been sent off! Chelsea are falling apart, but that looked harsh. The midfielder was booked earlier, and was handed his marching orders after tackling Granit Xhaka.
67min: That’s a delightful finish! The Arsenal talisman has done it again, and Mikel Arteta’s men have come from behind at Wembley!
Nicolas Pepe had raced towards the Chelsea penalty area and laid the ball across for the waiting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The frontman jinked beyond Antonio Rudiger and chipped an audacious effort over Willy Caballero and into the far corner. Breathtaking.
GOAL! ARSENAL 2-1 CHELSEA – PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG 67′
Post update
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
62min: Pedro teed up Reece James on the edge of Arsenal’s penalty area, but the wing back blazed high and wide of the target.
Frank Lampard has plenty to ponder over the next five minutes or so. He has just one more opportunity to make a substitute after the two injuries, and can still bring on three more players.
Guy Mowbray makes the good point that while Chelsea have three of their five subs left they can only actually make one more change. They could bring three players one in one go but they can’t stop the game more than once to make any subs, if that makes sense.
58min: The action is flowing from end to end! Arsenal broke away down the right side and attempted to carve out an opening for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Alexandre Lacazette’s pass was slightly behind his strike partner, however, and Andreas Christensen did well to close down the shot.
54min: It’s been very stop-start since the second half got underway. There will be cause for concern for Frank Lampard and Mikel Arteta with both teams playing their way through midfield with ease so far
50min: The substitute Pedro was involved straight away after haring down the left-hand side. His cross was deflected behind for a corner, but Emiliano Martinez rose highest to take a comfortable catch.
18:40
SUBSTITUTION
48min: Christian Pulisic has been replaced by Pedro, who is playing his final game for Chelsea today before joining Roma.
SECOND HALF
46min: Welcome back to Wembley, where the second half is now underway!
Let’s hope for more of the same!
Mikel Arteta was caught on camera delivering one final rallying cry before sending his players back out.
HALF TIME – ARSENAL 1-1 CHELSEA
That was a pulsating half of football! Both teams have gone hell for leather when flooding forward and equally look shaky at the back.
Christian Pulisic chipped Chelsea into an early lead after five minutes following a lovely piece of footwork inside the box.
But Arsenal then did well to haul themselves back level. Cesar Azpilicueta conceded a penalty after hauling down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the skipper tucked home from the spot.
After that, it has been all Arsenal and they are unlucky not to be leading! Join us for the second half very soon.
HALF TIME SUMMARY:
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for Chelsea before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang levelled from the penalty spot after the forward was fouled
45+1min: There will be five added minutes at the end of the first half.
SUMMARY SO FAR:
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for Chelsea in the FA Cup final with a delicate finish following a well-worked move.
Nicolas Pepe thought he had curled in a marvellous equaliser for the Gunners but his celebrations were cut short as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had strayed offside in the build-up.
Just seconds later and Aubameyang was played in over the top, racing clear of Cesar Azpilicueta before being hauled back by the Chelsea skipper.
Referee Anthony Taylor opted to only caution Azpilicueta but the penalty stood following a short VAR check and Aubameyang made no mistake from the spot to draw Arsenal level.
42min: Mikel Arteta’s men are well on top now as we edge towards the break. Nicolas Pepe’s cross was floated towards Ainsley Maitland-Niles at the far post, but a flapping Willy Caballero was able to use his fingertips to divert the ball away for a corner.
Pepe was then afforded space to shoot after Chelsea failed to clear their lines, but his powerful strike was blocked by the substitute Andreas Christensen.
SUBSTITUTION for Chelsea
35min: Cesar Azpilicueta’s race is run. The Chelsea skipper went down with what appeared to be a nasty hamstring injury and has been replaced by Andreas Christensen. Insult to injury for the defender, who looked to be in tears as he limped off.
Goal Arsenal! Aubameyang scores from penalty 30 minutes
GOaAL! ARSENAL 0-1 CHELSEA – CHRISTIAN PULISIC 5′
5min: Wow! Chelsea take the lead! It was a flowing move from Frank Lampard’s men, and Christian Pulisic finished beautifully.
Mason Mount cut a ball across the box for Olivier Giroud after a drive forward from midfield, and the frontman cleverly flicked across to Pulisic.
The American did the rest, cutting beyond the defender and poking home.
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17:36
4min: Chelsea almost struck back immediately. Mason Mount curled an effort towards the far corner from the edge of the box, but Emiliano Martinez flew to his left to palm clear.
Olivier Giroud was fuming with his team-mate and believed he could have been slotted clear on goal instead. Lightning start to this one!
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17:34
3min: The first chance has fallen to Arsenal! Ainsley Maitland-Niles did superbly to wriggle his way into a crossing position from a long punt forward, and his delivery was nodded wide by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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17:33
2min: Both teams are easing their way into this one. Remember they have matched each other in formation.
Chelsea named an unchanged team for the FA Cup final clash with London rivals Arsenal.
Blues boss Frank Lampard sticks with the side that won 2-0 against Wolves, although Willian was conspicuous in his absence from the matchday squad.
N’Golo Kante is only fit enough for a place on the bench as former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud once again leads the line.
Arsenal, meanwhile, make just one alteration from their 3-2 win over Watford on the closing day of the Premier League season.
Joe Willock drops to the bench as Hector Bellerin returns to a side which had 10 of the starters from the semi-final victory against Manchester City with Rob Holding replacing the injured Shkodran Mustafi.
Follow all the action, as it happens, below.
Arsenal XI: Martinez, Holding, David Luiz, Tierney, Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang (c)
Subs: Macey, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, Smith, Willock, Nelson, Saka, Nketiah
Chelsea XI: Caballero, James, Azpilicueta (c), Zouma, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Giroud, Pulisic
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Christensen, Tomori, Emerson, Kante, Barkley, Hudson-Odoi, Pedro, Abraham
If Manchester United’s thrilling and surprise FA Cup victory over Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday was manager Erik ten Hag’s final game as their manager, then what a send-off it was.
Teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored to lead United to a 2-1 upset of the holders and Premier League champions as speculation swirled about Ten Hag’s future.
Although the 54-year-old Dutchman told ITV he had no doubt he would be back and has said he has received the backing of the club’s owners all season, he was less confident in his post-game press conference.
“I don’t think about this,” Ten Hag said when asked about his future. “I’m in a project and we are exactly where we want to be. We’re constructing a team. When I took over it was a mess at United, and we are on our way to construct a team for the future.
“The team is developing, the team is winning and the team also plays to an identity. What you need to play is to be available, you need a strong squad in top football, and especially when you play in England, the Premier League is so competitive.”
Garnacho and Mainoo were two of United’s bright sparks in a disappointing season in which they finished a worst-ever eighth in the Premier League era.
The 19-year-olds were in fine form at a sun-drenched Wembley and after the final whistle defender Lisandro Martinez hoisted a grinning Ten Hag into the air to celebrate.
“We are delighted for the manager,” midfielder Scott McTominay said.
UNBEATEN RUN
Ten Hag, who kissed the trophy before lifting it in front of the United fans, became the first manager to beat Pep Guardiola’s City in a major domestic final and ended their 35-game unbeaten run in open play.
“It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley,” said United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
“Manchester United clearly were not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them.”
In Ten Hag’s two seasons in charge, United have played in three Wembley finals and lifted two trophies (they won last season’s League Cup). If sacking after such a positive finale seems implausible, however, there is precedent.
Louis Van Gaal was fired two days after United’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Crystal Palace in 2016 after the team finished fifth in the Premier League.
“We have to keep going, and I’m not satisfied with it, we have to do better and if they don’t want me anymore, then I go anywhere else to win trophies, because that is what I did my whole career,” Ten Hag said. “That is what they always tell me.”
Guardiola had kind words for United’s manager.
“(United) have to take a decision. So, I don’t know but of course he’s a lovely person, an extraordinary manager,” Guardiola said.
Ten Hag’s press conference ended abruptly when a reporter pointed out that eighth in the Premier League was not good enough for United.
“Sorry to say this, but you don’t have any knowledge about football, about managing a football team,” Ten Hag said. “When you don’t have the players available, then you can’t perform, so simple as that.
“And if that is the opinion, it is no problem. Then I go anywhere else and I go and keep winning trophies.”
-Reuters
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has issued a defiant response in the wake of reports claiming that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club hierarchy have already decided to sack him.
According to UK publication, Mirror, Erik ten Hag has warned the Manchester United hierarchy he will ‘go and win trophies somewhere else’ if he isn’t wanted.
The Dutchman’s position is understood to be in major jeopardy after overseeing the club’s worst league campaign in over 30 years, although he did end the season with a flourish by beating Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Reports on Friday, however, suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s top brass have already decided to replace the former Ajax chief – and that even winning the FA Cup would not be enough for Ten Hag to save his job.
But in the aftermath of United’s big win at Wembley, a defiant Ten Hag fired back when he was quizzed over the latest reports relating to his future.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag said of rumours the club will sack him: “If they don’t want me any more, I go somewhere else and win trophies, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
It’s been outlined this week that the club have been sounding out potential replacements for Ten Hag with other clubs, notably Chelsea, in the market for a new manager this summer.
Sky Sports claimed that former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna’s representatives have already held talks with the club after the Northern Irishman guided Ipswich Town to successive promotions.
Manchester United have won the FA Cup after a 2-1 win against city rivals, Manchester City.
The two Manchester clubs have reached the final of England’s oldest cup competition again and City were hoping to retain the trophy after winning last year’s final.
Pep Guardiola’s side had won the last three meetings between City and United and the Reds approached the FA Cup final as underdogs again – but the game didn’t go as most predicted.
Against all odds, United claimed a stunning victory against City thanks to first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, which proved enough for the win.
United were outstanding and looked like a different team after a dismal season. Erik ten Hag’s tactics worked perfectly and City only started to threaten late in the second half.
Jeremy Doku provided City with a glimmer of hope in the dying moments of the match by finding the bottom corner, but it wasn’t enough and the Blues slumped to a defeat.
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