Arsenal 2 Chelsea 1: Per Mertesacker has the game of his life and Arsene Wenger becomes most successful boss in FA Cup history
Gunners saved their best performance of the season for their date with Wembley
ARSENAL and Arsene Wenger created history by beating Chelsea and lifting the FA Cup.
A controversial Alexis Sanchez goal opened the scoring before Diego Costa equalised with 10 minutes left on the clock.
But midfielder Aaron Ramsey put the Gunners ahead for a second time to settle the thrilling clash and send Arsenal fans into raptures.
In truth it was fully deserved as Chelsea looked like they were suffering a hangover from their Premier League title celebrations.
Here are five things we learnt from the breathless encounter.
Officials spark controversy for opening goal
TWO big question marks hang over Alexis Sanchez's opening goal.
The first was whether the Chilean should have been penalised for hand ball when N'Golo Kante's clearance clearly struck his arm.
Although there was barely any distance between the duo, Sanchez had his arms in an unnatural position above his head.
The second question mark stands over whether Aaron Ramsey interfered with play when he was in an offside position.
The Welshman went towards the ball but decided to let Sanchez take over before firing Arsenal ahead.
Mesut Ozil finally turns up for the occasion
There has been a countless amount of times that the Germany international has failed to deliver when it matters most.
But today was a different story.
There was a raging fire inside his belly and his aggression was priceless in Arsenal's performance.
He was running back making tackles under pressure - including a cruncher on Eden Hazard as he tried to break away.
Ozil also found space in between the midfield and defence which caused confusion amongst Antonio Conte's side.
Arsene Wenger and Arsenal become most successful FA Cup manager and team in history
HE has received so much criticism this season it's time to praise the Frenchman.
Arsenal's FA Cup victory was Arsene Wenger's seventh - no manager can boast more titles.
And it was thoroughly deserved as Chelsea didn't turn up for the races.
But the manager wasn't the only one creating history as his side lifted the trophy for a record 13 times.
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Per Mertesacker rolls back the years
The BFG had played just 37 minutes of football this season before the FA Cup.
Therefore it was no surprise to see Arsenal fans with their heads in their hands when he was named in the starting XI.
But the veteran was absolutely outstanding as he marshalled a depleted Arsenal defence.
With Rob Holding one side of him and full-back Nacho Monreal on the other, Mertesacker took control of Diego Costa and kept the Spaniard relatively quiet despite his goal.
He produced a string of vital tackles and blocks in one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt.
Minute silence impeccably observed
YOU couldn't hear a pin drop after the sound of the referee's whistle.
It was a poignant mark of respect around Wembley for the 22 people that tragically lost their lives in the Manchester bombings.
Usually there is one or two members in the crowd who can't keep their mouths shut but on a rare occasion not a word was spoken around the home of football.
It showed the unity and support from the whole country.
As they say, it was a 'deafening silence.'