Arsène Wenger has revealed that his double substitution in extra-time was a calculated gamble in a bid to avoid a penalty shoot-out.
The Frenchman introduced Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere for the final 15 minutes, and it paid off as their fresh legs helped Arsenal clinch a late winner.
Despite their shoot-out success in the semi-final against Wigan, Wenger did not want a repeat at Wembley on Saturday and did everything to avoid it.
“I had a funny feeling not to go to penalties,” the manager said. “I tried desperately not to go to penalties because I did not have many players on the pitch who were specialists at it. I tried to go for it before the end.
“It paid off but we had a horrible feeling for a long time in the game and in the end it was a relief. The job is how it finishes, all the rest nobody cares.
“Especially [taking off] Cazorla [was bold]. I must tell you Ozil I would not have put him on the penalty list, but Cazorla is a serious penalty taker and that’s why I was hesitant.
“I was worried by the decision I was making because I had two strikers on the pitch. Jack is not a penalty taker, Rosicky is not a penalty taker. Giroud had cramp so it was difficult.
“The other problem I had was the hamstring of Gibbs. Before the end of the game, he had a hamstring problem and so I waited as long as possible but I tried to win it before the end.”
Aaron Ramsey has described his winning goal in the FA Cup final as the "most important" in his career.
The Welshman's extra-time strike sealed a thrilling comeback for the
Gunners as they recovered from 2-0 down to beat Hull City at Wembley.
Ramsey's goal was his 16th of the season and the 23-year-old was delighted to end his remarkable campaign with a trophy.
"I had a few rash shots but I think I made up for it in the end,"
Ramsey said. "It was a great lay-off [from Giroud], I shouted for it and
he back-heeled it. The goalkeeper has a lot less time to react when you
finish it first time.
"It was the most important goal of my time here. I've been really
pleased with my form this year. I wouldn't have been able to do it
without my team-mates but I'm just a bit gutted that I got injured.
"I'm just delighted to come back, make a big impact in a game and win the FA Cup.
"I've got a good summer to look forward to. I'm getting married so
it's going to be a happy one. Then after that I'll be looking forward to
next season and [another] title push. We can hopefully have an
opportunity to win a few more things."
No comments:
Post a Comment