Going into Saturday’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea, both sides coveted the trophy, but the need was surely greater for Mikel Arteta’s team given the consequences of success or otherwise.
It was pretty common knowledge that the Gunners needed the cup to present a path into Europe next season. After ending eighth in the Premier League, the North London side desperately had to win their 14th title in the sport’s oldest domestic competition to feature in the Europa League in 2020/21.
While the Gunners aspire for more than participation in the continent’s secondary club competition, circumstances during the season meant FA Cup triumph would represent success.