Gunners fired up for title tilt... again

Arsenal 4 Aston Villa 0: Was this the moment that Arsene Wenger finally silenced his critics?

This was, after all, an historic moment for the Frenchman. He surpassed even the achievements of Alex Ferguson in FA Cup history after securing a record-equalling sixth trophy as Arsenal manager. They, subsequently, became the most successful club to grace the competition as they made it 12 final victories.

Unlike last season’s edgy, somewhat fortuitous victory over Hull City — a triumph which ended the nine-year silverware drought which had gnawed away at the stunning legacy set by Wenger in the first decade, this was a nerveless exhibition of poise and potency — with their trademark dash of panache.