FA Cup Final - The Player Ratings
















Yes! We did it! A simply brilliant fightback that gave us a glimpse of what we might expect in the next few seasons under King Arteta! 14 TIMES FA CUP WINNERS


Martinez: Much hype about the big keeper before this game. His family story and his road to Arsenal's current number 1 was well documented. He delivered. Brilliant hands from crosses and so calm on the ball; I'd go as far as saying he could be our No 1 next season should he stick around. Quick off the blocks at the end when he claimed before Pedro and Sokratis. Couldn't even speak at the end of the game for emotion. 9

Bellerin: A brilliant performance from Hector. He was put into awkward positions at times by passes from Holding but managed to do well on most occasions. His drive forward led to the second goal. A much more Bellerin-like performance. 8


Luiz: Needed a big game and he got it. Had the better of Giroud for the majority and was solid all game. If only we could see this Luiz all the time. 8

Holding: Loves the FA Cup final. Was done for pace on several occasions but was positionally sound from crosses and corners. He has to do a lot to break into the XI every week, but certainly has the attributes to do it. 8


Tierney: What a 'Project Restart' it has been for KT. Another solid performance filled with energy and passion. Cannot wait to see a full season with him. Brilliant again. 8


Maitland-Niles:
Playing at LWB, you'd be forgiven for wondering why. Yet he was so full of energy and running and was superb both defensively and going forward. He had the run on Reece James (proclaimed by Chelsea fans as the best thing since sliced bread) and was calm on the ball for the majority. Arsenal should try to keep him - he is versatile and more than useful! 8

Ceballos: What a performance! He was everywhere, especially after the equaliser. He sent Kovacic and Jorginho for a hot-dog on several occasions and created so much space for many a good move. Arsenal NEED to sign him up again. Since the restart he has been nothing short of sensational. Can we give a 10? Why not! 10


Xhaka: After 20 minutes I feared for Granit. Chelsea flooded the middle and caught him out a few times. But he grew into the game and proved his worth to Arteta's Arsenal. Maybe not great in tight spaces, but he was brilliant for the most part and deserves all the praise he is getting. Ceballos and he complement each other so well and it could be a partnership moving forward. 9

Pepe: A great effort from Pepe tonight. A little wasteful at times but he set up the winning goal. Also, his finish was sensational despite the offside flag going up. He has had a promising first season but the media like to play on the £72m price tag. They don't seem to scrutinise many others the way he is. Cannot wait to see him next season already. He is a brilliant talent and will only flourish more under the boss. Not many can claim medals on their first season in England. 8


Lacazette: A workman-like performance and one that would have been appreciated by his team mates. Not really much of a threat inside the box but he won free kicks and was a constant thorn in the side for Rudiger and Co. Hard to know what the future holds but you cannot say he isn't committed. Imagine a creative CM behind him to feed him more; we might see more of his finishing qualities. Well done Laca! 8

Aubameyang: What do you say? Won the penalty, was a menace for the Chelsea backline and scored a sensational winner. Sign him up, give him the money, give him everything! Scored twice v City and twice v Chelsea at Wembley which almost single-handedly won us the Cup. Arteta seemed very positive about him staying; let's hope so! The less said about the trophy lift the better, though! Hopefully he'll be more practiced for the Premier League next year! 10


Nketiah: Gave Laca a well-deserved rest and was full of running. A Championship medal and and FA Cup medal for young Eddie! 7


Sokratis:
Perhaps a farewell for Papa, but a medal in the pocket! 7


Kolasinac:
Would have been delighted to have played a part. Cannot see him playing much more for the Arsenal. 6

Comments