Arsenal player ratings: Alexis Sanchez and Per Mertesacker shine in FA Cup Final

RB Hector Bellerin 7.5

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Hector Bellerin is just 20 years old, because he’s more solid defensively than most young full-backs you’ll ever see. Bellerin has more than just pace to offer to the Arsenal side, and he showed it last night by being excellent defensively. Like Monreal, Bellerin made sure that the opposition had no chances to get anything going down his flank, and he was actually the team’s clear leader in interceptions. Jack Grealish looked ready to do something when on the ball, but Bellerin clearly had him in his pocket and made sure nothing came of any of the Villa attacker’s moves.

Offensively, Bellerin was just as good, and he plays such an important role for this team on offence because he’s the one who gets upfield and puts in more crosses of the two full-backs. The Spaniard also allows Aaron Ramsey to cut inside where he can take up more natural (and perhaps dangerous) positions that lead to potential goal-scoring opportunities. Bellerin provided a nice cross for Ramsey at one point, and he continues to do a nice job of providing service for men in the box.

Next: Solid in midfield