Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brilliant brace against the Citizens ensured that the Gunners would face either Chelsea or Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on August 1.
Arsenal came into the game in inspired form having beaten the Premier League Champions Liverpool on Thursday night and started the game right on a daring note against Pep Guardiola’s City.
Aubameyang already had a shot straight at Ederson in the early stages of the eerie Wembley atmosphere but 19 minutes later, there was no escape for City when the Gabon international showed great technique to steer home Nicolas Pepe’s cross with the outside of his foot at the far post. Despite Man City’s dominance of ball Possession and constant threats after Arsenal took the lead, it didn’t bother the Gunners’ backline as they defended the one-goal advantage till the break with David Luiz putting in a decent display.
In the second half, City dominated possession but squandered their opportunities and Aubameyang made them pay once more in the 71st minute when he raced away on the angle to slide a composed finish under the keeper.
The win for Mikel Arteta means that he now has the chance to mark his first season in charge of Arsenal with a major trophy when he leads his boys to face Chelsea or Manchester United next month. But for Pep Guardiola, it means that with the Capital One Cup in the bag already, the only silverware they would be fighting for is the UEFA Champions League where they face Real Madrid at the Etihad for the return leg of the Round 16 tie on August 7
