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Arsenal were crowned the FA Cup champions in the 2019/20 edition of the competition as a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped them to a 2-1 over Chelsea. It was Mikel Arteta's first piece of silverware as the Arsenal manager as the Gunners lifted a record 14th FA Cup title.
Frank Lampard also had a chance to win his first trophy as a manager but Aubameyang's heroics made sure that he has to wait a bit longer for that.
In the FA Cup final, Chelsea took the lead in the first half thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal. But Arsenal responded well by keeping a tight shape, and Aubameyang constantly gave Chelsea's defence problems with his marauding runs.
In the 28th minute, Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Aubameyang in the Chelsea box, and the Gabon international stepped up to convert the enusing penalty to restore parity.
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Arsenal were now on the ascendancy, pressing more and looking to threaten a second goal as the first half ended without any further goals from either team.
In the second half, Frank Lampard's side started to play better but another Aubameyang goal gave Arsenal the lead against the run of play. To compound matters for Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic was sent off, and Arsenal rode their numerical superiority to see out the win.
On that note, we take a look at five things we learned from the 2019-20 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Five things we learned from the 2019-20 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea:
#1: The dubious calls of English referees and VAR
Arsene Wenger once said that "not one English referee will go to the World Cup" in 2017. What he said almost three years ago still holds relevance now.
The VAR was introduced to help referees with their decisions. However, the level of referring has continued to be dreadful, and the VAR has hardly been of any help.
It is not for the first time that VAR has provided controversial decisions. In the 2019-20 FA Cup final as well, there was one such instance.
It could be clearly seen that Granit Xhaka made the most of a 50-50 challenge with Mateo Kovacic. Any spectator watching the game on the TV screen could tell that there was hardly anything in it.
The referees in charge of the VAR could have at least told the game's referee Anthony Taylor that there was no need to give Kovacic a second yellow, which turned into a red card. Any man of ordinary prudence could tell there was nothing in that challenge except for the two VAR referees.
The Pierre-Emerick Aubameynag penalty was another debatable call. Cesar Azpilicueta's hands were on Aubameyang's shoulder. But on a closer look, it could be seen that the Spaniard never really pushed Aubemeyang too hard for the latter to fall to the ground. Football is a contact game, and the moment Aubameyang realised that the goalscoring chance had gone, he fell to the ground.
In the build up to Arsenal's second goal, Hector Bellerin clearly fouled Andreas Christensen, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Chelsea had a chance late in the second half but Emiliano Martinez managed to clear the long ball. However, in the process, the Arsenal goalkeeper handled the ball outside the box, which should have resulted in a red card for him.
#2: Aubmeyang might have had his last hurray with Arsenal
At the age of 31, the Gabon international can still play at the highest level for another three years. Though the Arsenal project under Mikel Arteta looks exciting, Aubameyang would want to join a team where he can win the big trophies.
Like any top player, he aspires to play in the Champions League, but so far the Gunners have only been able to offer him Europa League football. This season as well, Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League and only managed to qualify for the Europa League following their the FA Cup victory.
The former Dortmund striker is now in the final year of his contract with Arsenal. The Arsenal fans would not want a repeat of an Alexis Sanchez-like situation with Aubameyang.
Mikel Arteta would definitely like to have Aubameyang at the club as he has been good for the Gunners in recent times. But it would probably be in the best interests of the club as well as the player to sell him in this transfer window if he refuses to extend his contract at Arsenal.
#3: Mikel Arteta is the real deal for Arsenal
When Mikel Arteta arrived at the club as a manager, there was a lot of optimism about his ability in turning things around for Arsenal. Though this is his first job as a manager, he has done well considering that he joined Arsenal mid-season.
The way Arsenal won games against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Chelsea speaks highly about Arteta's managerial prowess. It is a testament to his tactical and man-management abilities that he has managed to get the best out of both Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang.
The way Arsenal have strived to keep their defensive shape under Arteta when not in possession looks very similar to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. That is because Arteta spent more than two years as an assistant to Guardiola at City where he learned a lot. Many City players have also praised Arteta for helping them improving their games.
Arteta is a man who is learning on the job, and with time he is definitely capable of leading Arsenal to bigger trophies. Under his mentorship, the young players at Arsenal have had a chance to express themselves, and within a few years they should be ready to help the club challenge for the Premier League title.
#4: Frank Lampard's Mason Mount obsession is hurting Chelsea
Mason Mount worked with Frank Lampard during his loan spell with Derby County. When Lampard became the Chelsea manager, Mount became a crucial player for him at Stamford Bridge. This season at Chelsea, Mount has made 52 appearances in all competitions.
It is clear that out of all the players that have come through the Chelsea academy, Mount has been given preference by Lampard even when he has not played well.
It made no sense to start Mount on the right wing in the FA Cup final against Arsenal. That is because the Englishman lacks pace and trickery, which is required to play as a winger.
The likes of Pedro or Callum Hudson Odoi would have been better options than Mount, given that Willian was out with an injury. However, Lampard is clearly obsessed with improving Mount. This was also evident in the Liverpool game in the Premier League at Anfield where Mount started ahead of Pulisic but was hardly able to have an impact on the game.
The former Derby midfielder has other qualities, but he is not the ideal player to be deployed on the wing as he is not naturally suited to that position. There have been times when he hasn't played well, but Lampard has been hell-bent on giving him chances while other academy players haven't been as lucky.
It was quite obvious that a player like Pedro or Hudson Odoi would have been able to make more impact against Arsenal on the right wing than Mason Mount.
#5: Chelsea need a defensive revamp
Whenever Chelsea's defensive woes are talked about, fingers are always pointed at Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, Chelsea defenders have largely escaped much discussion and scrutiny despite stats of their poor performances being well documented.
The defensive standards at Chelsea have dropped drastically since the days of John Terry. Antonio Rudiger was expected to take on more responsibility as a Chelsea centre-back this season, but he has been absolutely dreadful.
It is clear that the Blues are in desperate need of new and better defenders. Given how poor Chelsea have been defensively, it almost seems harsh that Frank Lampard has sidelined Fikayo Tomori because at times the young Englishman has been Chelsea's best centre-back.
The Blues are also in need of a left-back. Marcos Alonso is efficient as a left wing-back but he is a defensive liability. Emerson's case is similar as well. Chelsea are almost out of defensive options, and they will have to spend big to imrpove their backline.
