Aubameyang brace against Man City sends Arsenal into FA Cup final

Arsenal produced a counter attacking masterclass to complete a 2-0 win over Manchester City and book a place in the FA Cup final, thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The win helped Arsenal qualify for their 21st FA Cup final. The win, which prevented City from defending the cup won in May 2019, also ensured Arsenal make their fourth FA Cup final in seven years.

It was a game between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, his former master, and the club where he was assistant manager, for a place in the final and the apprentice did come of age in Wembley stadium.

Arsenal surprisingly took the lead on 19 minutes through Aubameyang. The Gunners’ captain finished off a move that started from the goalkeeper, included 18 passes and involved ten players.

Aubameyang’s half volley flashed across Ederson, Man City goalkeeper, and nestled in the far corner of the net from Nicolas Pepe’s cross.

It was Aubameyang’s 65th goal across all competitions for Arsenal and it helped the North London club take a 1-0 half time lead.

Pep Guardiola’s City, as usual, improved in the second period and went close early on through Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez but both were denied by Emiliano Martinez’s saves.

The Cityzens had an appeal for penalty on 63 minutes turned down by both referee and VAR when Shkodran Mustafi, Arsenal defender, got into a clumsy tackle on City’s Raheem Sterling. A corner kick was awarded instead.

Arsenal, however, doubled their lead against the run of play on 71 minutes through Aubameyang’s second goal.

Arteta’s men repelled another City attack and countered excellently with Kieran Tierney delivering a ball to Aubameyang and the 31-year-old Gabon international slotting beyond Ederson’s legs for a 2-0 lead.

The Gunners’ defence was resolute in keeping out City. Error-prone David Luiz had one of his best games with ten clearances and four blocks as Arsenal closed out the game after seven minutes of added time.

Arsenal await their opponent — Chelsea or Manchester United — on Sunday in the final that will take place on August 1.