Arsenal beats Chelsea to capture FA Cup

Arsene Wenger’s turbulent year ended with a third FA Cup success in four seasons after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to deny the English Premier League champion a double on Saturday.

LONDON >> Arsene Wenger’s turbulent year ended with a third FA Cup success in four seasons after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to deny the English Premier League champion a double on Saturday.

Aaron Ramsey was the match-winner, just like in the 2014 final, restoring Arsenal’s lead in the 79th minute shortly after Diego Costa leveled for 10-man Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

Just as the season reached its climax, Arsenal turned in the type of tenacious display lacking so often, and against a side so commanding in the Premier League in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge. And it might just be enough to stem the tide of protests against Wenger, as the record 13-time FA Cup winners are yet to announce a new contract for the 67-year-old Frenchman for next season.

“There’s a board meeting on Tuesday,” Wenger said on the pitch before collecting the trophy. “Wednesday or Thursday will be clearer.”

Wenger became the competition’s most successful manager with a seventh title in his 21year reign, triumphs that have papered over some of the cracks as Arsenal has repeatedly come up short in the Premier League and Champions League.

“I’m happy for the manager,” Ramsey said. “Hopefully he will be here next season.”

Copa del Rey

Barcelona won the Copa del Rey in coach Luis Enrique’s final game with the club after defeating Alaves 3-1 in the final in Madrid.