Arsenal became the most successful club in FA Cup history as they outclassed Aston Villa 4 – 0 at Wembley to earn Arsene Wenger a record-equalling sixth triumph. The Gunners retained the trophy they won against Hull City a year ago to put Wenger’s total of wins alongside George Ramsay – who previously stood alone with the record for his victories with Villa between 1887 and 1920. Arsenal’s 12th final victory was never in doubt as they dominated with a magnificent display, the only surprise being that it took until five minutes before half-time for their control to be rewarded with Theo Walcott’s goal. Alexis Sanchez confirmed that superiority with one of the great FA Cup final goals shortly after the restart – a swerving, dipping 25-yard thunderbolt that flew high past startled Villa keeper Shay Given. Villa were a shadow of the side that performed so impressively to beat Liverpool at Wembley in the semi-final, their flaws exposed ruthlessly as Per Mertesacker took advantage of an embarrassing lack of marking to head the third. Substitute Olivier Giroud’s fourth in the final moments only completed what was a harrowing day for Tim Sherwood’s side, who had travelled to Wembley high on optimism and expectation after an impressive run to the final.

What happened to the prediction by the psychic penguin that Aston Villa will win???