Even after taking the lead Lampard’s Chelsea ultimately fell to two outstanding goals by Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon forward has been Arsenal’s star player since starting, recording an incredible goal tally since moving to London, and he needed to be at his very best after Pulisic completed a flowing move for the Blues with a clean finish to help Chelsea take the lead after just five minutes.
Aubameyang’s first goal, to bring the game level, came after Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta brought him down in the box and the resulting spot kick being put confidently past keeper Willy Caballero, brought in to replace struggling number one Kepa, who has had some torrid performances of late. Unfortunately the deputy was unable to keep out the penalty as well as the brilliant second goal which very few keepers the world over would have been able to do much about.
Chelsea were hampered by an injury to Azpilicueta and star man Pulisic before losing midfielder Kovacic to a second yellow in the second half which made it all the more difficult to fight back. The sending off brought scrutiny to referee Anthony Taylor whom was made the first ever referee to see over two FA Cup finals.
Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, who has become the first person to both captain and manage Arsenal to FA Cup victory, will be more than eager to secure Aubameyang to a new deal, especially after his performances in this season’s FA Cup that saw him score two in the semi final to see off Manchester City and two in the final to see them overcome London rivals and lift the trophy for a record 14th time.
Chelsea will need to bounce back form this defeat to overcome a three-goal deficit against Bayern Munich in their Champions League fixture on Saturday if they want to retain any hope of securing a trophy this season.