Arsenal win English FA Cup, end Chelsea’s season double dream; Wenger says ‘fans’ criticism unforgettable’

Arsenal Football Club on Saturday won the English FA Cup after beating 10-man Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley.
Alexis Sanchez put the Gunners in the lead just four minutes into the game as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois from close range.
Chelsea players complained in vain to referee Anthony Taylor claiming an offside as the ball had hit Sanchez arm after a move by Aaron Ramsey.
Taylor, after consultation with the assistant referee, sustained the goal, and Arsenal held on to finish the first half with a 1-0 lead.
Chelsea’s Nigeria forward Victor Moses was sent off the pitch in the 68th minute after a dive to compound the Premier League champions’ woes.
He had obtained a yellow card in the third minute of the game.
But Diego Costa brought about a turnaround in the game in the 76th minute when he equalised for Chelsea.
Costa had received a lovely ball from Willian, chesting it down in the box before knocking his shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.
The Gunners proved superior when Ramsey restored their lead with a header two minutes later.
And they could have had more goals if they had converted all their scoring chances thereafter.
The match was a repeat of the 2002 clash where Arsenal snatched a 2-0 win against The Blues.
The Gunners have now won their 13th FA Cup title and the seventh under manager Arsene Wenger.
Meanwhile, Wenger says the criticism he has had this season is “a disgrace’’ he will “never forget’’.
The 67-year-old Frenchman has faced fierce protests from fans calling for him to leave the club he has led since 1996.
“I don’t mind criticism because we are in a public job,” he said in an interview before Saturday’s FA Cup final match against Chelsea at Wembley.
“I believe there’s a difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that human beings don’t deserve,’’ Wenger said.
He added: “The lack of respect from some has been a disgrace and I will never accept that. I will never forget it.
“The behaviour of some people during the season is what hurts me most.
“It’s not my person that is hurt but the impeccable image of the club around the world. That kind of behaviour does not reflect what Arsenal is.’’
Wenger had previously admitted that Arsenal’s season was affected by the uncertainty around his position, as well as the protests calling for him to leave.
“A strong club is a club that makes a decision. It is wrong that in modern society it is not a question of whether a decision is right but whether it is popular.
“That has nothing to do with competence. People with responsibility have to make the right decision.’’
Wenger, whose contract expires this summer, will become the most successful manager in FA Cup history with a seventh title if his Arsenal side beat Chelsea.
But the Gunners missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years by finishing fifth in the Premier League,
Wenger’s future at the club is now set to be decided at a board meeting on Monday.