Hello there and welcome to
Sports Mole's live text coverage of the
FA Cup final between
Arsenal and
Hull City at Wembley Stadium. Well, the day is finally here. The two remaining teams in this year's competition are going to be battling it out for the famous trophy in around 90 minutes time. Team news should be with us at 4pm, and we'll bring it to you as soon as we have it.
It's an unbelievably sunny day in North West London, the kind of conditions that are befitting of an FA Cup final. There are already thousands of fans buzzing in and around the stadium, with both sets of supporters in fine voice.
So, what's at stake for each of these clubs today? It's been well documented that Arsenal are looking to win their first piece of silverware in nine years, while Hull are taking part in their first major final. There's always plenty of talk about the FA Cup's importance waning, but you can bet your bottom dollar that a win this afternoon would mean the world to whoever comes out on top.
Arsenal's last appearance in an FA Cup final was back in 2005 when they beat Manchester United on penalties in Cardiff. If memory serves, that was by no means a classic. That said, it was the last time that the Gunners got their hands on a trophy.
Arsene Wenger's side certainly had a tough route to the final, defeating the likes of Spurs and Liverpool. The Gunners beat their local rivals in the third round before wins against Coventry City, Liverpool and Everton took them to the semi-finals. It was touch and go whether they would beat holders Wigan Athletic to get to Wembley Stadium today, but Lukasz Fabianski was the hero in a penalty shootout to see them through.
Hull's passage through to the final wasn't quite as treacherous as Arsenal's though they had to see off some decent sides on their way to Wembley. A win over Middlesbrough got the ball rolling before victories against Southend, Brighton (after a replay), Sunderland and Sheffield United put them into their first ever major final.
ARSENAL: Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski; Giroud
ARSENAL SUBS: Szczesny, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Wilshere, Monreal, Flamini, Sanogo
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made two changes to his starting XI following last weekend's 2-0 win over Norwich City in the Premier League. Per Mertesacker replaces Carl Jenkinson in defence, while
Santi Cazorla is back in place of Tomas Rosicky. However, the bigger news is that Lukasz Fabianski retains his place in goal. The Pole has played all of the Gunners' FA Cup matches this season, and Wenger has kept his faith in the shotstopper today. Jack Wilshere is on the bench, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain misses out altogether.
HULL: McGregor; Davies, Bruce, Chester, Rosenior, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Meyler, Quinn, Fryatt
Meanwhile, Hull boss Steve Bruce makes four changes to his side following last Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Everton in the league.
James Chester, Liam Rosenior, David Meyler and Matty Fryatt all come into the starting lineup. No news yet on the Hull subs, but we'll bring you them as soon as they're through.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, speaking to
The Mirror: "We have said it all. We are favourites. Yes. Unfortunately that doesn't guarantee you anything. It just means do you produce on the day a top-level performance you have a good chance to win.
"You don't prepare games with that in your mind. You prepare a game by thinking that the best chance to win is to play at your best, at your top. But 2005 was an ugly win. And a lucky one.
"Wigan in the semi final was different. We were under pressure to finish fourth in the league, we were on a low point, to lose that would have created a huge disappointment. The pressure, you have to use it in a positive way. We would rather be here than not."
Hull City boss Steve Bruce: "If you're not an Arsenal fan, I'm sure the rest of the world will be rooting for Hull. Last year, we saw Wigan Athletic beat Manchester City, who were huge favourites.
"Everybody enjoys a shock and we are rank outsiders but that's the beauty of the FA Cup – it can bring a bit of glamour. The memories of the FA Cup are ones you cherish when you have finished your career. That's why, for me, it is the greatest competition. It's a one-off game and a place where heroes are made.
"For a club like ours to take on the mighty Arsenal, it just has a fantastic ring to it. That's what the Cup is all about."
FA Cup final moments:It was five years ago that Louis Saha scored the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final as he found the net with just 25 seconds on the clock to put Everton in front against Chelsea. However, it turned out to be a bad day for the Toffees as goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard saw Chelsea lift the trophy. You can check out Saha's goal below:
HULL SUBS: Harper, McShane, Figueroa, Koren, Boyd, Sagbo, Aluko
As promised, here are those Hull subs. Paul McShane, Maynor Figueroa and Sone Aluko both drop to the bench following last weekend's defeat to Everton. If you're wondering where Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long are, both of them are cup-tied.
Sounds like someone's feeling a bit confident this afternoon...
HEAD TO HEAD: As you might imagine, it's Arsenal who have the better record when it comes to past meetings between these teams. The Gunners have come out on top 10 times, while the Tigers have won just twice. There has also been one draw.
Arsenal were comfortable winners on both occasions when the sides met in the Premier League this season. A 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium at the start of December was followed up by a 3-0 triumph at the KC Stadium four months later.
Hull's last win over Arsenal came at the Emirates Stadium in 2008 when they stunned the Gunners 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League. For the record, the two teams have met just once in the FA Cup before as Arsenal won 2-1 to reach the semi-finals back in 2009.
FA Cup final moments:For many it is considered one of the best goals scored in an FA Cup final. Who can forget Steven Gerrard's memorable strike for Liverpool during their thrilling win over West Ham United in 2006? The Hammers looked like they were on course for a famous triumph before Gerrard hammered the ball home from 25 yards to send the game into extra time. An additional 30 minutes of football failed to separate the teams, but it was the Merseysiders who eventually came through 3-1 on penalties. Check out Gerrard's goal below:
Referee watch: Today's official at Wembley Stadium will be Lee Probert. The 41-year-old was appointed for the match last month after he won a unanimous vote by the FA's Referees' Committee. Probert dished out 32 yellow cards and two red cards in 21 Premier League games during the season just gone.
Prediction time: So, how do you see this one playing out today? Arsenal are the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy come the end of the match, but Hull could well give them a run for their money. That said, we here at Sports Mole can't see beyond a victory for Arsene Wenger's men.
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs: "It's massive, we take all competitions seriously. At the end of your career you want to look back on what you've won and this is a chance to look back on what has been a good season and say - yes - we managed to win the FA Cup."
Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone: "There have been some unbelievable players over the years who have never been to a FA Cup final. So, I count myself lucky to be in this position.
"There is no point getting there, though, if you are happy to take a runners-up medal. If we were to win the trophy then it would live on for decades to come.
"We will go in with plenty of confidence. We know our league form hasn't been what we expected but we have got to put all that out of the window and concentrate on the final."
We've now got Leona Lewis out on the pitch with the Welsh Guards signing the FA Cup final anthem 'Abide With Me'. The atmosphere is cracking inside the stadium, with both sets of fans causing an almighty racket. Around 10 minutes to go until this one gets underway.
The teams are now lined up in the tunnel, ready to step out onto the Wembley Stadium pitch. Plenty of intense-looking faces among both sets of players. Here they come...
Prince William is now leading a small delegation, which includes FA chairman Greg Dyke, along the starting lineups for the obligatory handshakes. The national anthem is to come.
KICKOFF! Here we go then. All of the pageantry, all of the bluster, is done. It's now down to business. It will be Hull to kick us off. Let's do this!
GOAL! ARSENAL 0-1 HULL (CHESTER)
Would you believe it? Hull take the lead with just three minutes on the clock through James Chester! The Tigers have dominated the opening stages, and they've been rewarded. A corner from the right was pinged out to Huddlestone, who's scuffed volley was flicked in by Chester. What a start to this final!
It must be said that Hull have been impressive so far. Steve Bruce's side have seen plenty of the ball, while Arsenal haven't been at the races. The Gunners are going to have to do it the hard way if they want to lift the trophy.
GOAL! ARSENAL 0-2 HULL (DAVIES)
Is this actually happening?! Hull have just doubled their lead through
Curtis Davies! Quinn worked himself some space down the left before delivering a cross towards Bruce, whose header was well saved by Fabianski. However, the Hull captain was there to blast home the rebound from close range and send the travelling Tigers fans into delirium.
The Arsenal players just look shell-shocked at the moment. They've not turned up so far. They're seeing more of the ball than they were in the opening five minutes, but they've yet to trouble the Hull goal. We understand that Arsene Wenger isn't happy about something that happened in the build-up to the second goal, though it's unclear what that is right now.
OFF THE LINE! Hull are causing Arsenal so many problems from set pieces, it's incredible. Their latest attempt sees Bruce rise highest from a corner, only to have his looping header cleared off the line by Gibbs.
For the record, Arsenal are unhappy with a free kick that was taken in the build-up to Hull's second goal. There was a foul out on the right, but the free kick itself was taken about eight yards ahead of where the offence took place. The ball was played out to Quinn on the left before Davies smashed home. Arsene Wenger could well have something to say about that after the match if his team doesn't get themselves back into it.
GOAL! ARSENAL 1-2 HULL (CAZORLA)
What a goal from Santi Cazorla to cut the deficit for Arsenal! Bruce gave away a free kick about 25 yards from goal, and it was left to the Spaniard to curl a wonderful effort into the top corner past McGregor. This is a fantastic FA Cup final!
You kind of wonder just what's going to happen next. It's difficult to say who's exactly on top right now as the match is just one stunning moment after another. However, that goal from Cazorla has certainly given Arsenal a big confidence boost. They're starting to look more like their old, free-flowing selves.
Hull defender Liam Rosenior is lucky not to get a booking there following a reckless challenge on Sagna. It wasn't a particularly malicious tackle, but Sagna certainly felt it.
Credit to Hull: they've not let that Cazorla goal dent their confidence. The Tigers are still looking very assured on the ball, passing it around calmly while the Arsenal players do all of the chasing. Steve Bruce looks relatively content down on the touchline. Arsene Wenger looks pensive.
CHANCE! A decent opening for Arsenal sees Podolski launch a powerful effort towards goal, only for Davies to get his head to the ball and divert it out for a corner. The Gunners fail to make the resulting kick count as Bruce heads clear.
Now it's Arsenal who are looking the more threatening in attack. Giroud in particular has come to life in the past few minutes. The Frenchman was quiet at the start of the match, but he's beginning to cause the Hull defence one or two problems now.
Good defending from Sagna there. Fryatt was trying to weave his way into the box, only for the full-back to stay strong and dispossess him while failing to give away a corner. There's been plenty of talk that Sagna could be on his way out of the club this summer. If that's the case, this could be a painful send-off...
Not a bad effort from Huddlestone there, though he's capable of much better. The midfielder has a crack at goal on the half-volley from about 30 yards, but his shot goes into the stand.
This match has developed into a really physical encounter during the past 10 minutes or so. There are plenty of strong tackles flying in from both sets of players as demonstrated by Bruce on Giroud. A scrappy fight is sure to suit Hull more than Arsenal though.
It's Arsenal who look to be in the ascendancy as we head into the final few minutes of the half. Cazorla is seeing a fair amount of the ball in the hole behind Giroud, but the Gunners are lacking in bite when it comes to their play in the final third.
Quinn, who has been very bright so far, almost costs Hull a goal with some foolish play. The midfielder tried one step-over too many before being dispossessed by Giroud, only for the Arsenal striker's cross to evade Podolski in the middle.
There will be three minutes of added time at the end of what has been a riveting first half of football.
HALF TIME: ARSENAL 1-2 HULL
That was fun, wasn't it? What an opening 45 minutes we've had at Wembley Stadium, where Hull lead Arsenal 2-1. James Chester and Curtis Davies put the Tigers 2-0 up inside eight minutes before a superb free kick from Santi Cazorla handed the Gunners a lifeline.
Arsenal were well and truly shell-shocked following Hull's blistering start to the game, but they've managed to hold on and slowly work themselves back into contention. The Gunners are far from their best, though they remain firmly in this match.
That said, an early Hull goal in the second half could signal the end of the road for the Gunners. And you wouldn't put it past the Tigers doing just that. Steve Bruce's side have given an excellent account of themselves so far thanks to a display full of grit, determination and commitment. More of that during the next 45 minutes and they could get their hands on the trophy.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out, and it will be Arsenal to kick us off for the second half. No changes from either side at the break. It could well be a case of who has the most gas left in the tank from now on because the sun is still beating down at Wembley Stadium.
It's been a bit of a low-key opening few minutes to this second half, with Arsenal dictating the tempo. However, the Gunners haven't done too much in terms of getting at Hull in the final third.
It's a familiar story, but Ozil really hasn't been effective today for Arsenal. The German has been uninspired on the ball and has not offered his side very much at all going forward. Hull defender Bruce is the latest player to do down with a knock though he looks to be okay.
Huddlestone takes aim again, this time with a left-footed drive from 25 yards. However, the midfielder can only blast his effort over the crossbar. Arsenal don't want to let him have too many sights of goal because he is capable of blasting them in from long range.
CHANCE! Close to an equaliser for Arsenal as Bruce flicks Arteta's free kick narrowly wide of his own goal. Arsenal fail to make anything of the resulting corner.
PENALTY APPEAL! Hull are lucky to get away with one there as Huddlestone drags Giroud down to the ground in the box with both men challenging for an aerial ball. That could easily have been a penalty.
YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the final goes the way of Huddlestone following a foul on Cazorla. The Hull midfielder has had an eventful couple of minutes.
SUBSTITUTION: Arsenal make their first change of the match now as Lukas Podolski is withdrawn for Yaya Sanogo. Podolski is among a number of Arsenal players who have had little or no bearing on today's game.
Sanogo has already made a bit of an impact up front for Arsenal. The young forward is doing his best to ruffle some feathers in the Hull defence. He gets an early chance as well by narrowly failing to get on the end of a cross from the left.
SUBSTITUTION: Alex Bruce's afternoon is over for Hull as he comes off for Paul McShane. The centre-back took a knock to his leg earlier on in the match and it seems like he can't continue.
Just over 20 minutes left to play at Wembley Stadium, where Hull still lead 2-1. You get the feeling that Arsenal are going to be piling some real pressure on their opponents from now until the end of the match. The Tigers are going to have to be at their best defensively. However, another goal now would surely win them the Cup.
YELLOW CARD! Another booking now, this time for Hull's David Meyler for taking out Koscielny. No complaints there from the midfielder.
GOAL! ARSENAL 2-2 HULL (KOSCIELNY)
Arsenal have their equaliser through
Laurent Koscielny! Cazorla's corner from the left was headed on by Sagna, and there was Koscielny inside the six-yard box to prod the ball in. They've been well below par this afternoon, but the Gunners are back on terms.
Plenty of controversy surrounding that Arsenal goal as the ball appeared to come off Sanogo last before going out of play. That's another decision we might be hearing a lot about come the final whistle.
SUBSTITUTION: Hull's second change of the match sees Sone Aluko enter the action in place of Stephen Quinn.
Are we going to have some late drama at Wembley Stadium for the second year running? Remember, Ben Watson scored in the final stages to win Wigan the Cup against Man City last season. Judging by how things have gone so far in this match you wouldn't bet against it.
CHANCE! How has Gibbs missed that?! Sanogo did brilliantly to wriggle past a couple of Hull defenders before squaring to his teammate. Gibbs had the whole of the goal to aim for from about six yards, but he somehow blazed his effort high over the crossbar.
PENALTY APPEAL! Another strong shout for Arsenal as Cazorla is bundled into by Meyler. However, referee Lee Probert waves play on, much to the frustration of Cazorla and his teammates.
SAVE! That's a good stop from McGregor to deny Giroud. The Arsenal striker's low effort looked to be creeping into the bottom corner, but the Hull goalkeeper was there to push it away from danger.
YELLOW CARD! Arsenal striker Giroud is the latest name to go into the book following a late challenge on Aluko. He looks frustrated at the decision from Lee Probert, but it was a deserved yellow card.
YELLOW CARD! Now Hull captain Curtis Davies is cautioned for dragging down Giroud. It's been a scrappy few minutes.
Just two minutes of normal time remaining at Wembley Stadium. If we don't get a goal now then we'll be heading to extra time. You could cut the tension with a knife inside the ground. Arsenal are doing all of the pressing at the moment.
CHANCE! Almost a dramatic winner for Arsenal! Giroud does well to lay the ball off to Sanogo on the edge of the box, but the substitute can only scuff his shot narrowly wide of the goal. That would have brought the house down.
There will be five minutes of added time...
Another decent opening for Arsenal as Giroud turns in the box before getting a shot away. It's not a bad effort, though McGregor is able to get down and make the save.
FULL TIME: ARSENAL 2-2 HULL
Lee Probert blows his whistle which means we are going to have another 30 minutes to decide this FA Cup final. The second half wasn't quite as drama-filled as the opening 45 minutes, but it was still riveting. This match really could go either way.
It's probably worth saying that both teams have one substitution left. Fresh legs are sure to play a key part during extra time.
EXTRA TIME UNDERWAY! The teams are ready to go again, and it will be Arsenal to kick us off for extra time.
OFF THE BAR! So close for Arsenal! Davies was dispossessed by Ramsey, who crossed to the back post for Giroud. The Frenchman climbed high above his marker to get a header on target, only for it to rattle the frame of the goal.
Hull haven't really had a sniff so far during extra time. It's Arsenal who are committing more men forward as the go in search of a winning goal. Ramsey lets fly with a low strike from 20 yards, though there's not enough power on it as McGregor saves.
CHANCE! Ramsey threatens again after playing a neat one-two with Giroud inside the box, but the Welshman slams his shot wide of goal on the angle.
Hull seem quite happy to sit back and soak up any Arsenal pressure at the moment. They could well be thinking that penalties are their best chance of winning this FA Cup final.
SUBSTITUTION: Hull's final change of the match sees Liam Rosenior replaced by George Boyd. Rosenior looked like he head a bit of an ankle knock there as he hobbled off the pitch.
HALF TIME: ARSENAL 2-2 HULL
The first half of extra time comes to an end with neither side adding to their tally. Not the most inspiring 15 minutes of football, though Arsenal came very close to getting themselves in front with the Giroud header that rattled the crossbar.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! We're off again. Arsenal have made changes as well, with Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky replacing Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla. Hull get us back underway.
It must be said that Sanogo has made a real difference since he's come on for Arsenal. The striker is continuing to give Hull plenty of problems in and around the penalty area with his strong frame and neat footwork.
GOAL! ARSENAL 3-2 HULL (RAMSEY)
Could that nine-year wait for a trophy be over for Arsenal?
Aaron Ramsey gives the Gunners the lead with a fine strike. Sanogo and Giroud combined in the box to set up the Welshman, who smashed a low shot past McGregor and into the back of the net.
It looks like it might be difficult for Hull to get themselves back in this match now. Arsenal are looking dominant at the moment, and their fans are mirroring this with their vocal support from the stands.
Just over five minutes for Hull to find an equaliser and take this game to penalties. Their supporters are devastated following that Ramsey goal. They know that they've probably let this slip from their grasp.
CHANCE! So close to a Hull equaliser! Aluko burst clear down the right before skipping past the onrushing Szczesny. The striker whipped a great cross into the box where Davies was running into, but Gibbs was there to flick the ball away on the line.
CHANCE! Another great moment from Sanogo, who swivelled in the box before firing a shot on target. However, McGregor showed good reflexes to keep the ball out.
FULL TIME: ARSENAL 3-2 HULL
ARSENAL WIN THE FA CUP!
The nine-year wait for a trophy is over! Arsenal have won the FA Cup thanks to a dramatic 3-2 win over Hull City. What an incredible final that was. Hull led 2-0 inside the opening eight minutes before goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny took the game to extra time. It was then left to Aaron Ramsey to score the winning goal for the Gunners with 12 minutes left to play.
While the Arsenal players and staff celebrate wildly, the Hull players look utterly dejected. They made a real go of it and looked to be on course for a famous shock, only for Arsenal to fight back and snatch the trophy from their grasp. If ever there were contrasts on a football pitch they are happening on the Wembley turf right now.
That's all from our live text coverage of today's match, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction right here on Sports Mole. Thank you very much for your company this afternoon, it's been much appreciated. We hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!