The fortunes of today's FA Cup finalists could not have differed more heading into today's game at Wembley.
Antonio Conte's Premier League champions Chelsea were looking to put the seal on the domestic double, while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal team were looking to put their worst season in 21 years behind them with a piece of silverware to ease the suffering of their disillusioned fans.
And, despite Arsene Wenger being robbed of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel due to suspension and injury, the Frenchman's rejigged defence were rarely troubled in a first half where Alexis Sanchez handed the Gunners a fourth minute lead.
The first half would continue to be dominated by Arsene Wenger's men, with Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil both coming close to extending the Gunners' lead.
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Chelsea's attempts to get back into the game in the second half were then hindered when Victor Moses was booked twice in 11 minutes, the second yellow card coming after the Nigerian dived in a desperate attempt to con the referee into awarding the Blues a penalty.
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But, just when everything seemed to be falling in Arsenal's favour, the 10 men went and equalised, thanks to Diego Costa.
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Parity would last only a couple of minutes, however, with Aaron Ramsey, the match winner in the 2014 FA Cup final, immediately restoring Arsenal's lead.
Mesut Ozil would strike a post and then be denied by a last ditch tackle in an attempt to score a cup clinching third goal. It would matter not however, as Chelsea were unable to force an equaliser, sending the trophy back to North London for the third time in four seasons.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Chelsea, Football, FA Cup Final, Arsenal
