On May 30, 2015, Arsenal faced Aston Villa in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal delivered a dominant performance, winning 4-0 to secure their 12th FA Cup title.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Arsenal: 4 (Theo Walcott 40′, Alexis Sánchez 50′, Per Mertesacker 62′, Olivier Giroud 90+3′)
- Aston Villa: 0
- Possession:
- Arsenal controlled possession with 58%, while Aston Villa had 42%. Arsenal’s ability to retain the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo and apply consistent pressure throughout the match.
- Shots:
- Arsenal registered 16 shots, with 9 on target, showcasing their attacking prowess and efficiency. Aston Villa managed only 2 shots, with none on target, indicating their struggle to create significant chances against Arsenal’s solid defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Arsenal displayed a high passing accuracy of 89%, completing 498 passes out of 561 attempts. Aston Villa had a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 300 passes out of 389 attempts. Arsenal’s superior ball retention and distribution were key to their control of the game.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Arsenal made 15 tackles compared to Aston Villa’s 18, reflecting Villa’s attempts to disrupt Arsenal’s play. Both teams committed 10 fouls, indicating a relatively clean but competitive match.
- Set Pieces:
- Arsenal’s third goal came from a set piece, with Per Mertesacker heading in a corner. The other goals were from open play, with Theo Walcott opening the scoring, Alexis Sánchez adding a spectacular long-range strike, and Olivier Giroud sealing the victory with a late goal.
- Individual Performances:
- Alexis Sánchez was a standout player for Arsenal, scoring a stunning goal and being a constant threat. Theo Walcott’s opener set the tone for the match, and Per Mertesacker’s header from a corner further cemented Arsenal’s dominance. Olivier Giroud’s late goal added to the comprehensive nature of the win. For Aston Villa, goalkeeper Shay Given made several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
- Tactical Overview:
- Arsenal employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining possession, controlling the midfield, and utilizing their pace and creativity in attack. Aston Villa used a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to counter-attack and use their width, but were unable to penetrate Arsenal’s organized defense.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team: Aston Villa’s Charles N’Zogbia (54′) and Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin (65′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing the opposition from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Arsenal won 8 corners compared to Aston Villa’s 3, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating disciplined defensive lines and calculated attacking movements.
Summary
Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup final was characterized by a dominant and comprehensive performance. Theo Walcott’s opener and Alexis Sánchez’s spectacular long-range strike set Arsenal on their way to a comfortable win. Per Mertesacker added a third from a corner, and Olivier Giroud’s late goal sealed the victory.
Arsenal’s control of possession, superior passing accuracy, and tactical discipline were key factors in their success. Aston Villa struggled to create meaningful chances and were unable to cope with Arsenal’s attacking quality. The win secured Arsenal’s 12th FA Cup title, highlighting their dominance in the competition and their ability to perform in crucial matches.
