Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were not successful in their race for a top four finish in the Premier League for the first time in the Frenchman’s 20 years reign in the club but they do have a chance to make this season lightly better when they face Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
The Gunners defeated Manchester City to step into the final but face the Premier League champions in the final. The Blues have proven to be the best team this season and they are the favourite to win the FA Cup. However, in one last run in London, Arsenal could still win the trophy. Here are three things the Gunners need to do if they hope to lift the Cup in this grand finale:
Keep Hazard in check
The Belgian international has been outstanding this season, not only in England but also in Europe and his time is not up yet. He will be fully energized for the FA Cup final and will pose a threat to the Gunners. If Arsenal can counter him with another capable attacker just like Manchester United did by using Ander Herrera, they may have chance of going back home with the trophy.
Pressurize the wing-backs
Chelsea have had ease in finding the net this season and though the likes of Hazard and Diego have been instrumental in the success at Stamford Bridge, Their wing-backs have also had major success in the team. Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses are brilliant attackers and will look to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Arsenal should not only pressurize the duo, they should also try to capitalize on the empty space at the back, a proven tactics against a well-structured 3-4-3 system.
Combine the right attackers
While keeping Chelsea in check is of great importance, Arsenal will have to be steadfast in their attack if they hope to face one of the most consistent backlines in England and leave unscathed. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will be the ultimate in the Gunners attacking third while Wenger will have to make a choice between Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, or he could decide to use Sanchez as a false-9. The three options have their benefits and now Wenger will have to be prudent in deciding what his attack combination will be.