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

DM Francis Coquelin 7.0

While he didn’t have to make many tackles due to Villa’s inability to come up with anything truly threatening, he also helped prevented them from getting any real attacks across with his positioning. One of the most impressive defensive midfielders of the season, Coquelin always stayed back and focused on keeping Arsenal organized and impervious to any feeble counter-attack from the underdogs.

Throughout the game, the commentators stated that Coquelin was quiet due to the Villa midfield’s poor performance, and that’s true in the sense that he didn’t have much to do in the form of tackling or stuff that’s easy to see. However, his work away from the ball was solid, and even though he doesn’t offer much in the form of helping to construct attacks, his unselfish play and ability to close down space are critical for Arsenal; we all know how valuable he is.

Next: Santi magical again