Arsene Wenger's FA Cup finals at Arsenal ranked by entertainment value
Ahead of Arsene Wenger's eighth FA Cup final as Arsenal manager later, we look back on the Frenchman's past showdowns and reveal which has been the stand-out finale. Where will today's rank?
2005: Arsenal 0 Man Utd 0 (Arsenal 5-4 on pens)
What happened?
The only game in which Wenger admitted to 'parking the bus'. Patrick Vieira scored the winning penalty with his final kick in an Arsenal shirt as they rope-a-doped their way to victory over hated rivals Manchester United. A measure of revenge for United ending Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run earlier that season.
Who was the hero?
Wayne Rooney was man of the match, but Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was their penalty hero saving Paul Scholes's penalty in the shootout. The German saved Juan Román Riquelme's penalty in the Champions League semi-final the following season.
Biggest controversy
Sir Alex Feguson fumed that Vieira, booked in extra-time, had not sent off earlier in the game. Ferguson said: "Patrick seems to have an immunity to these kind of things so I'm not surprised."
What did Wenger say?
"I'm very proud because it was a difficult game. We knew we had to be a little bit more cautious than usual because we knew we had less attacking potential than we normally have."
Entertainment: 4/10
2003: Arsenal 1 Southampton 0
What happened?
A forgettable final as Arsenal laboured, but Robert Pires's strike eased the disappointment of losing out on the league to Manchester United. They were hanging on a little towards the full-time whistle, with David Seaman denying Brett Omerod and Ashley Cole smuggling James Beattie's header off the line.
Who was the hero?
Oleg Luzhny's final Arsenal appearance was his best. Something of a laughing stock in north London, the Ukrainian veteran had a fine game out of position at centre back with Sol Campbell suspended.
Biggest controversy
Campbell missed the final due to the red card he picked up against Manchester United in the league a few weeks earlier. A flailing arm caught Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but debate about the level of intent raged.
What did Wenger say?
"The last three weeks have been difficult but the boys have been tremendous and they have responded well to the disappointment. We have got the trophy we wanted."
Entertainment: 5/10
1998: Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0
What happened?
Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka goals secured a league and cup double, Arsenal's first since 1971, on a gloriously sunny day at the old Wembley. Hearts were in mouths at 1-0 when Martin Keown's slip let Alan Shearer in, but the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer struck the post.
Who was the hero?
Ray Parlour was an unheralded man of the match. Tucking inside off the right flank, the Romford Pele offered Arsenal another central body allowing Overmars to cut loose on the left.
Biggest controversy
Shearer clattering Tony Adams on the stroke of half-time was as heated as this final got. Adams made little of it and Shearer picked up a booking for his trouble.
What did Wenger say?
"All Europe thought Overmars was dead because of his damaged knee. But in every important game we have had this season, he has scored. He has got great mental strength. He is a world-class player."
Entertainment: 6/10
2002: Arsenal 2 Chelsea 0
What happened?
It was indeed 'only Ray Parlour' but his long-range strike set Arsenal on course to avenge their loss to Liverpool in the previous year's final. Freddie Ljungberg curled the game beyond Chelsea's reach, leaving John Terry flat on his face in the process. Arsenal won the league at Old Trafford days later.
Who was the hero?
Ljungberg and his red hair. Though he would become an Invincible two years later, the 2002 run-in was his peak as he netted six clutch goals in five league games.
Biggest controversy
A fairly lukewarm game aside from Arsenal's splendid long-range goals. Ljungberg and Mario Melchiot had some first-half handbags, but got off with just a word from referee Mike Reilly.
What did Wenger say?
"We were very frustrated last year. We have shown a lot of strength to come back here - beating Liverpool and Newcastle on the way."
Entertainment: 7/10
2014: Arsenal 3 Hull City 2 (AET)
What happened?
The win that ended a nine-year trophy drought. Falling 2-0 down inside eight minutes to James Chester and Curtis Davies goals, Wenger's side looked paralysed by stage fright. Santi Cazorla's free-kick steadied them, before Laurent Koscielny pounced to score a second-half equaliser. Aaron Ramsey's extra-time winner completed a famous comeback
Who was the hero?
Ramsey. This was his beast campaign, scoring 16 goals in all competitions despite missing three months with a thigh injury. His absence that season is one of many 'what ifs' in Arsenal's recent history.
Biggest controversy
Wenger's decision to stick with 'cup goalkeeper' Lukasz Fabianski rather than No 1 Wojciech Szczesny. Was rooted to his line on the two corners Hull scored from and came rushing out of his area thoughtlessly in extra-time. Could have cost Arsenal.
What did Wenger say?
“We wanted to make history and win the game. We did that in both ways – we showed how not to start the Cup Final and how to come back."
Entertainment: 8/10
2015: Arsenal 4 Aston Villa 0
What happened?
Arsenal cut Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa to ribbons and cruised to their easiest FA Cup triumph. Theo Walcott, given nod up front ahead of Olivier Giroud, opened the scoring before Alexis Sanchez's long-range strike flew past a flat-footed Shay Given. Per Mertesacker and Giroud rounded off a handsome win.
Who was the hero?
Santi Cazorla was given man of the match as he operated in a deep midfield role alongside Francis Coquelin. The Spaniard's forward passing consistently split Villa's defensive lines and allowed Arsenal's forwards to run riot.
Biggest controversy
There was none. Sherwood conceded Arsenal were 'too good' on the day. Despite talk of Christian Benteke bashing Arsenak around, Mertesacker and Szczesny marshaled him well in the air.
What did Wenger say?
“From the first minute to the last the focus and the quality never dropped.”
Entertainment: 8/10
2001: Arsenal 1 Liverpool 2
What happened?
Arsenal's best performance of these seven finals, yet it is the one they lost. Wenger's team dominated, finally breaking the deadlock through Freddie Ljungberg with 20 minutes remaining. Two late goals from Michael Owen turned the game on its head and left Wenger to bin his runners-up medal in anger.
Who was the hero?
Owen, of course. His first goal was an instinctive swivel in a crowded penalty area, while raw speed saw him race clear of Adams and Co for the winning goal.
Biggest controversy
Stephane Henchoz's goalkeeping that went unpunished. Thierry Henry rounded Sander Westerveld in the 16th minute but Henchoz planted himself on the line and saved goal-bound shot with his arm.
What did Wenger say?
"It was obvious that we should have won, and we had a clear penalty turned down, but this is the story of our season."
Entertainment: 9/10
