Hull’s hearts broken by Gunners

Wembley Glory | Arsène Wenger’s team finally secure silverware after years of disappointment

NO LONGER is it 3 283 days and counting; no longer is it a nine-year weight that has grown heavier and heavier.

Arsenal have their trophy. But after such a long, painful wait it was inevitable this dramatic, raucous FA Cup final went all the way into extra time. The 3-2 defeat was cruel on Hull, who could not hold on to their two-goal lead, but ultimately a deserved triumph for Arsène Wenger and Arsenal.

Hull looked defensive with three central defenders but what a trick that proved to be as all three of those centrehalves were involved as Steve Bruce’s side scored two precious goals inside an astonishing, stunning opening eight minutes.

Arsenal were reeling and almost fell even further behind from another corner. Again it was met by Bruce who headed it back across goal with Fabianski rooted only for Kieran Gibbs to clear off the goal-line. Another goal then and the capitulation would have been complete and the contest over before it had even begun. The recriminations would have been deep.

How Arsenal needed a response. A free kick was earned 25m out and Santi Cazorla stepped up to arc a powerful right-footed effort around a Hull wall which fell away. Goalkeeper Allan McGregor appeared to react late and he was clawing at air as the ball struck the net.

Suddenly the dynamics of a final that was threatening to engulf Arsenal in further trauma had changed.

Half time was reached and Hull deserved their advantage. They appeared simply to want this more but the issue would be whether they were physically able and mentally prepared to continue to press and harry and push high up the pitch.

Driven by desperation and a sense of injustice, Arsenal

Finally the breakthrough came for Arsenal and Ramsey claimed it

came forward again and, finally, they did score. Bacary Sagna’s powerful header ricocheted and dropped for Koscielny who turned it beyond the goalkeeper from close range.

Extra time brought more opportunities as Olivier Giroud met Aaron Ramsey’s cross only for his superb diving header to cannon off the bar. Like Giroud, Ramsey’s influence was growing and he exchanged passes with Cazorla then swerved his shot into the side-netting.

Finally the breakthrough came and Ramsey claimed it. Again Hull could not clear and Giroud cleverly backheeled for the Welshman to prod first-time past the Hull keeper to seal the hardfought victory. — The Sunday Telegraph