MAN OF THE DAY
Alexis Sánchez likes Wembley. This was his fourth appearance here and his screamer was his fifth goal. He also evoked memories of the first Chilean to score in an FA Cup final: George Robledo for Newcastle in 1952 … against Arsenal.
NUMBERS OF THE DAY
12: Goals scored by Arsenal against Villa this season. Number conceded: 0. Seven: starts made by Theo Walcott this season for Arsenal. He has the same number of goals.
PUNDIT OF THE DAY
Jamie Carragher, even when not on our TV screens, is on the pulse. “@Carra23 Sherwood vines unlikely now.”
STEADIEST RISE
The price of a matchday Cup final programme. 1965 – 1 shilling; 1975 – 20p; 1985 - £1; 1995 – £5; 2005 - £8.50; 2015 - £10.
INSIGHT OF THE DAY
From the internal running order for stadium staff, for events post-final whistle: “Beer delivery: If Arsenal win, beer to team bus & champagne (8 crates beer). If Villa win, beer to team bus & champagne (8 crates beer). Referees – beer to changing room (15 beers). Additional beer on request.”
MOST MISSED
David Cameron was absent for his beloved Villa’s big day due to a “long-standing private engagement”. But Villa’s second poshest fan was there: home-and-away stalwart Prince William told the BBC pre‑match: “I’m nervous now. I’m terrified.” At full-time he had to hand the trophy over to Per Mertesacker.
FASHION WATCH
No gilet for Tim Sherwood, who donned a resplendent new suit for the occasion. The less said about Aaron Ramsey’s Cup final hairdo – including a go-faster stripe – the better, though.
