The Wembley stadium, London witnessed a thrilling end to the Football Association Challenge Cup 2014 , commonly known as the FA Cup. The competition culminated on Saturday, May 17th, as Arsenal came back from a two goal deficit to win their first trophy in nine years, courtesy the goals from Santi Cazorla, Laurent Koscielny and the in-form Welshmen Aaron Ramsey, whose contributions amounted to a final score of 3-2 against Hull City. The FA Cup final, which has produced some of the most stunning performances in the past, managed to produce another magical night for the gunners as they won themselves a record leveling FA cup in front of a jam-packed stadium of almost 90,000 fans.
The match kicked off in exciting fashion as Steve Bruce’s side took full advantage of a sleeping Arsenal defense and managed to get themselves ahead within the first 3 minutes of the match as James Chester deflected home a Tom Huddlestone volley. And if it wasn’t already bad enough for the gunners, the Hull skipper, Curtis Davies doubled the excitement of the Hull, faithful five minutes later with a close range shot which also managed to find the back of the net.
A third goal might have put the game to bed and defender Alex Bruce came agonizingly close to doing just that as he threatened to convert a set-piece within the first few minutes of the game. Fortunately, Wenger’s men had woken up at just about the right time, and were slowly starting to show signs of a comeback. Their first signs of hope came through the foot of Santiago Cazorla as the Spaniard’s shot proved too good for Hull keeper Allen McGregor. The goal boosted the gunners, who from then on slowly found their feet and comfortably settled themselves into the game. Hull’s play also became nervy and reckless at times, which eventually culminated in the 71 minute equalizing goal by Laurent Koscielny who tapped home from close distance.
By the last quarter of the match, Hull players looked to be sufficiently running out of steam and Arsenal had their best attacking spell as they created a number of close chances to win the match. However, 90 minutes proved inadequate to decide on a winner and the match proceeded to extra time. A weary Hull side helped put on a great show, but once Aaron Ramsey scored in the 109th minute, the Tigers were in no condition to fight back. Overall, the spirit and character showed by both sides helped to put on a thrilling contest for the neutrals.
The applause and chants for both teams at the end of the game was a great display of appreciation which the Hull players will take with them at the end of a fairly good campaign. As for the champions of the night, the North Londoners have finally ended their trophy drought after nine long years, and will see this victory as a sign of better things to come their way in the near future.
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