2014 FA Cup final
The 2014 FA Cup Final was the 133rd final of the Football Association Challenge Cup, the world's oldest national football tournament, contested on 17 May 2014 at Wembley Stadium in London between Premier League clubs Arsenal and Hull City.[1][2] Arsenal won the match 3–2 after extra time, securing a record-equalling 11th FA Cup title and qualifying for the 2014 FA Community Shield.[2][3] The game, attended by a crowd of 89,345, began with a stunning start as Hull City, appearing in their first-ever FA Cup final after 110 years of existence, scored twice in the opening nine minutes through set-piece goals from James Chester in the 4th minute and Curtis Davies in the 8th minute, leaving Arsenal trailing 2–0.[2][4] Arsenal, managed by Arsène Wenger, responded emphatically in the first half with a curling free-kick from Santi Cazorla in the 17th minute to pull one back, before equalizing in the 71st minute via a close-range finish by Laurent Koscielny from a corner.[2][5] With the score level at 2–2 after 90 minutes, the match went to extra time, where Aaron Ramsey scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute by converting a back-heeled pass from Olivier Giroud, clinching victory for Arsenal under the management of Steve Bruce for Hull City.[2][5] The final was notable for Arsenal's dramatic comeback from an early deficit, ending a nine-year trophy drought since their last major honor in 2005 and marking Wenger's fifth FA Cup win as manager, which he described as his most important success in 18 years at the club.[5][6] For Hull City, the runners-up finish represented a remarkable achievement in their debut final, highlighting their resilience despite the early promise and subsequent collapse.[5][4] The match is often remembered as one of the most thrilling FA Cup finals in recent history due to its high drama and end-to-end action.[2]Background
Historical context
The 2013–14 FA Cup represented the 133rd edition of the competition, which holds the distinction as the world's oldest association football knockout tournament, having been established in 1871.[7] Sponsored by Budweiser for the third consecutive year, it served as English football's primary domestic cup, offering qualification for the UEFA Europa League to its winners and embodying a tradition of upsets and underdog triumphs across its long history. For Arsenal, the final arrived amid a prolonged period without silverware, marking nine years since their last major trophy—a 2005 FA Cup victory under manager Arsène Wenger, who had guided the club to 10 major honors during his tenure but faced mounting pressure after a string of trophyless seasons.[8] The Gunners entered the match having secured fourth place in the 2013–14 Premier League, ensuring Champions League qualification but heightening the stakes for ending their drought in a competition where they held a record-tying 10 previous wins.[9] Hull City, by contrast, approached their first-ever major final appearance as relative newcomers to the top flight, having earned automatic promotion to the Premier League as Championship runners-up in May 2013 under manager Steve Bruce, who had taken charge in 2012 and stabilized the club after previous relegations.[10] The Tigers had battled for survival in their return season, finishing 16th with 37 points—just four above the relegation zone—making the FA Cup a rare opportunity for glory and European qualification despite their underdog status.[11] Pre-match betting odds heavily favored Arsenal at 4/9 to win, with Hull priced at 6/1, reflecting the perceived mismatch between the established giants and the promoted challengers.[12]Teams' preparations
In the days leading up to the 2014 FA Cup final, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger emphasized the significance of ending the club's long wait for silverware, describing the match as an opportunity to "crown our season" and enhance the overall achievements of a campaign marked by recent league inconsistencies.[13] He acknowledged Hull City's underdog status while stressing the challenge they posed, noting that Arsenal's path to the final had been arduous and required focus to avoid complacency.[13] Wenger held a key press conference at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on May 14, where he discussed the tactical emphasis on enjoying the occasion and delivering a strong performance on match day, while confirming midfielder Jack Wilshere's availability.[14] Hull City manager Steve Bruce highlighted the historic nature of the occasion for his club, which had earned automatic promotion as Championship runners-up the previous season, viewing the final as a rare chance for an underdog triumph that could "be fantastic for the club."[15] Bruce sought a standout performer to seize the moment in the one-off fixture, drawing on his own experience as a 1996 FA Cup winner with Manchester United to inspire his players. In pre-match briefings, he outlined a pragmatic tactical plan to target Arsenal's defensive frailties, particularly through set-pieces and direct play, while embracing the underdog role where "everybody enjoys a shock."[15] Both teams converged on Wembley Stadium on the afternoon of May 17, arriving by coach approximately three hours before kick-off amid heightened security and fan anticipation, allowing time for final preparations in the stadium's facilities.[16]Route to the final
Arsenal
Arsenal entered the 2013–14 FA Cup in the third round, facing a challenging North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on 4 January 2014. Santi Cazorla scored with a free kick in the 25th minute, followed by Tomáš Rosický's finish in the 66th minute, securing a 2–0 victory and advancing Arsenal. The attendance was 59,947. Under manager Arsène Wenger, the team employed a rotated lineup featuring players like Kim Källström on debut, emphasizing defensive solidity to overcome Tottenham's pressure in a tightly contested game.[17] In the fourth round, Arsenal hosted Coventry City, a League One side, at the Emirates Stadium on 24 January 2014, delivering a dominant 4–0 win. Lukas Podolski scored twice in the first half (15th and 27th minutes), while Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla added further strikes late in the second half. The match drew 59,312 spectators and showcased Wenger's squad rotation, including starts for fringe players, as Arsenal controlled possession and exploited Coventry's defensive lapses. Podolski's brace highlighted his impact as a substitute in prior games, contributing to Arsenal's clinical finishing.[18] Arsenal's fifth round tie against Blackburn Rovers took place at Ewood Park on 15 February 2014, resulting in another convincing 4–0 triumph. Goals came from Lukas Podolski (twice, including a penalty in the 9th minute and another in the 65th), Thomas Rosický (37th minute), and Chuba Akpom, the 17-year-old youth product who scored his first senior goal for the club in the 80th minute. With an attendance of 15,367, the game allowed Wenger to integrate young talents like Akpom and Hector Bellerín, relying on a blend of experience and academy prospects to maintain momentum amid a demanding Premier League schedule. This rotation strategy preserved key players for league duties while ensuring progression.[19] The quarter-final against Everton was a single match at the Emirates Stadium on 8 March 2014, resulting in a 4–1 win attended by 59,739 fans. Arsenal's goals were netted by Mikel Arteta (penalty, 31st minute), Podolski (37th), and a brace from Giroud (81st and 90+3rd minutes), overpowering Everton despite Romelu Lukaku's consolation in the 79th minute. Wenger's tactics focused on midfield control with Arteta dictating play, using youth like Akpom off the bench to add energy, which helped Arsenal navigate Everton's physicality.[20] In the semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium on 12 April 2014, Arsenal prevailed 1–1 after extra time (winning 4–2 on penalties) in front of 84,524 spectators. Tomáš Rosický scored in the 11th minute, but Callum McManaman equalized in the 78th minute, leading to a penalty shootout where Arsenal advanced. Wenger opted for a patient build-up and effective pressing to dismantle Wigan's defense. The reliance on squad depth, including cameos from youth players, underscored Arsenal's preparation for the final, marking their return to Wembley since 2009.[21]Hull City
Hull City's journey in the 2013–14 FA Cup began in the third round with a 2–0 victory away at Championship side Middlesbrough on 4 January 2014, where Aaron McLean opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a low shot after a quick counter-attack, followed by Nick Proschwitz's finish in the 58th minute to secure progression.[22] This win set the tone for their underdog campaign, as the Tigers, managed by Steve Bruce, relied on a pragmatic 3-5-2 formation emphasizing defensive organization and swift transitions to exploit opportunities against higher-tempo opponents.[23] In the fourth round, Hull traveled to League Two outfit Southend United and emerged 2–0 victors on 25 January 2014, courtesy of a second-half brace from Matty Fryatt, who netted his first from a rebound in the 64th minute and added a composed finish in the 89th minute after a through-ball from Sone Aluko.[24] The fifth round proved more testing, with a 1–1 draw at Championship team Brighton & Hove Albion on 17 February 2014—Tristan Dingomé's deflected effort for the hosts canceled out by Yannick Sagbo's injury-time equalizer—before Hull prevailed 2–1 in the replay at the KC Stadium on 24 February, as Curtis Davies headed home from a corner in the 28th minute and Robert Koren converted a penalty midway through the second half, despite a late consolation from Iñigo Calderón in the 88th minute.[25][26] Fryatt's goals in these early rounds highlighted Hull's clinical finishing on the break, contributing four of their total eight strikes en route to the semi-finals. The quarter-finals saw Hull host struggling Premier League rivals Sunderland on 9 March 2014, dominating with a 3–0 win through second-half goals: Davies volleyed in a loose ball from a set-piece in the 68th minute, David Meyler tapped in from close range four minutes later, and Fryatt sealed it with a poacher's finish in the 77th after intercepting a misplaced pass.[27] This upset marked Hull's only victory over top-flight opposition before the final and propelled them to their first semi-final since 1930. In the semi-final at Wembley on 13 April 2014, Hull staged a dramatic 5–3 comeback win over League One's Sheffield United after extra time, trailing 2–1 at half-time following José Baxter's opener in the 19th minute and Stefan Scougall's strike in the 44th either side of Sagbo's reply in the 32nd; Fryatt equalized in the 58th minute, Tom Huddlestone curled in the turnaround goal six minutes later, Stephen Quinn leveled in the 70th, Ahmed Elmohamady headed ahead from a corner in the 89th, and David Meyler clinched it in the 109th minute during extra time.[28] Bruce's focus on set-pieces proved pivotal here, with three of Hull's goals originating from dead-ball situations, underscoring their resilience as underdogs against two Championship, one League Two, one League One, and one Premier League side. Despite their precarious 16th-place standing in the Premier League, this Cinderella run captured national attention and secured Hull's historic final berth against favorites Arsenal.[28]Pre-match
Venue and officials
The 2014 FA Cup final was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England's national football stadium with a capacity of 90,000, which has served as the neutral venue for all FA Cup finals since its reopening in 2007.[29][30] The pitch was reported to be in pristine condition ahead of the match.[31] A record attendance of 89,345 spectators filled the stadium, marking one of the highest turnouts for an FA Cup final at the modern Wembley.[2] Each finalist club, Arsenal and Hull City, received an allocation of 25,000 tickets from the Football Association, with the remaining seats distributed to sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.[32][33] Refereeing duties were assigned to Lee Probert from the Wiltshire Football Association, a Premier League official since 2003 who had officiated international matches since 2006 and previously served as fourth official for the 2011 FA Cup final.[34][35] Assisting him were Jake Collin (Liverpool FA) and Mick McDonough (Northumberland FA) as assistant referees, with Kevin Friend (Leicestershire & Rutland FA) as the fourth official.[34][2] Pre-kickoff ceremonies followed longstanding FA Cup traditions, including the singing of the hymn "Abide with Me" approximately 15 minutes before the start, performed by a choir and joined by fans, and the national anthem "God Save the Queen" just prior to kickoff.[36][37] The FA Cup trophy was positioned on a plinth at the edge of the pitch for post-match presentation to the winners.[2]Team news and line-ups
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Łukasz Fabiański starting in goal for his final appearance before departing the club. The back four consisted of Bacary Sagna at right-back, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as central defenders, and Kieran Gibbs at left-back. In midfield, captain Mikel Arteta paired with Aaron Ramsey for defensive solidity, while Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, and Lukas Podolski supported striker Olivier Giroud in attack.[2] The substitutes included Wojciech Szczęsny (goalkeeper), Thomas Vermaelen, Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, and Yaya Sanogo. Key absences for Arsenal were winger Theo Walcott, ruled out with a serious knee ligament injury sustained earlier in the season, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had returned from a groin issue but was not deemed fit enough for the squad.[38][39]| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Łukasz Fabiański |
| RB | Bacary Sagna |
| CB | Per Mertesacker |
| CB | Laurent Koscielny |
| LB | Kieran Gibbs |
| CM | Mikel Arteta (c) |
| CM | Aaron Ramsey |
| AM | Santi Cazorla |
| AM | Mesut Özil |
| LW | Lukas Podolski |
| ST | Olivier Giroud |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Allan McGregor |
| RWB | Ahmed Elmohamady |
| CB | James Chester |
| CB | Alex Bruce |
| CB | Curtis Davies (c) |
| LWB | Liam Rosenior |
| CM | Jake Livermore |
| CM | Tom Huddlestone |
| CM | Stephen Quinn |
| AM | Robert Koren |
| ST | Yannick Sagbo |
Match
Summary
The 2014 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium began with a shocking start for the underdogs Hull, who capitalized on set-piece opportunities to take a commanding lead within the opening minutes. In the fourth minute, Stephen Quinn delivered a corner that found Tom Huddlestone, whose volley was poked in by James Chester past Arsenal goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański, giving Hull a 1–0 lead.[2] Just five minutes later, from another Quinn corner, Alex Bruce's header was parried by Fabiański onto the post, and the rebound was volleyed home by Curtis Davies to make it 2–0, leaving Arsenal stunned and the Hull players jubilant.[2] Arsenal began to respond as the half progressed, with their pressure culminating in the 17th minute when Santi Cazorla curled a precise free-kick into the top corner beyond Allan McGregor, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and injecting hope into the Gunners' performance before the halftime whistle.[2] The second half saw Arsenal ramp up their intensity, dominating possession and creating sustained pressure on Hull's defense, though clear-cut chances initially eluded them. Hull held firm for much of the period, but in the 71st minute, Arsenal equalized from a corner when Bacary Sagna headed the ball which bounced off Olivier Giroud, allowing Laurent Koscielny to poke home the loose ball, leveling the score at 2–2 and shifting the momentum decisively toward the Premier League side.[2][44] Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Hull nearly regaining the lead through a late chance, but the match remained deadlocked, forcing extra time in a tense and dramatic encounter.[45][40] Extra time unfolded with Arsenal firmly in control, their superior fitness and quality beginning to tell as Hull tired. The first period of additional time featured close calls, including Giroud striking the crossbar from Aaron Ramsey's cross, heightening the drama. In the 109th minute of the match, Ramsey sealed Arsenal's comeback victory by poking home after receiving a backheeled pass from Olivier Giroud inside the area, securing a 3–2 win and ending Arsenal's nine-year wait for a major trophy.[2][45] The final showcased Hull's early set-piece dominance contrasted by Arsenal's resilient recovery, marking one of the most thrilling FA Cup finals in recent history.[2]Details
Arsenal lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Łukasz Fabiański in goal, a defensive line of Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, and Kieran Gibbs, midfield pairing of Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey, attacking midfielders Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, and Lukas Podolski, and Olivier Giroud as the lone striker.[16] Hull City adopted a 5-3-1-1 setup, featuring Allan McGregor in goal, a back five of Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, Alex Bruce, Curtis Davies, and Liam Rosenior, central midfielders Jake Livermore, Tom Huddlestone, and David Meyler, Stephen Quinn in support, and Matty Fryatt up front.[16] Substitutions were made as follows: for Arsenal, Yaya Sanogo replaced Podolski in the 61st minute to add fresh legs in attack, Tomas Rosicky came on for Cazorla in the 105th minute during extra time, and Jack Wilshere substituted for Özil in the 105th minute to bolster midfield energy; for Hull City, Paul McShane entered for the injured Bruce in the 67th minute to reinforce the defense, Sone Aluko replaced Quinn in the 75th minute for added width, and George Boyd came on for the stretchered-off Rosenior in the 102nd minute.[16] Gibbs remained on the pitch for Arsenal despite sustaining an injury earlier but completed the full match plus extra time.[46] The goals were scored as follows: Hull took the lead in the 4th minute when Chester poked in Huddlestone's volley from a Quinn corner; Davies made it 2-0 in the 8th minute, volleying home the rebound after Fabiański parried Bruce's header from a Quinn corner onto the post; Cazorla pulled one back for Arsenal in the 17th minute with a direct free kick; Koscielny equalized in the 71st minute, poking home a loose ball from a corner after Sagna's header bounced off Giroud; and Ramsey secured the winner in the 109th minute, poking home a backheeled assist from Giroud.[16][2][44] Key match statistics highlighted Arsenal's dominance:| Statistic | Arsenal | Hull City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Total shots | 25 | 12 |
| Shots on goal | 7 | 3 |
| Saves | 1 | 4 |