Relief for Wenger as Arsenal end Hull’s brave challenge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger celebrates with the FA Cup trophy in the stands after the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2014. See PA Story SOCCER FA Cup. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 or see www.paphotos.com/info/ for full restrictions and further information.

Arsene Wenger admitted his relief at what he described as the most important of his five FA Cup triumphs.

Arsenal came from 2-0 down to shatter the dreams of Hull City as Aaron Ramsey grabbed a dramatic extra-time winner.

The triumph, a first major trophy in nine years for Arsenal under Wenger, brings to five the number of FA Cups the Frenchman has won, drawing him alongside Sir Alex Ferguson as the manager who has won the competition the most.

Wenger said: “It is a relief because we were under an enormous amount of pressure today.

“And because we produced a demonstration into how not to start a Cup final.”

That was in reference to the storming start the Yorkshire side made, streaking into a 2-0 lead inside the first eight minutes through goals from James Chester and Curtis Davies.

“I was shocked. They looked a threat with every set-piece,” admitted Wenger, whose side struck back quickly through Santi Cazorla’s sumptuous free-kick.

“It was important for us to get back to 2-1 before half-time and then to rush our game and keep calm and structured.

“The mental aspect is very important in a game like that when everybody expects you to win.

“Cup final in England is special, we have seen it last year, we have seen it this year.”

Wenger, whose side flirted with winning the Premier League title this season, acknowledged in the aftermath of a thrilling final that this was a vital moment in the genesis of the North London club.

“It was an important moment in the life of this team,” he said.

“To lose today would have been a major setback, so to win is a good platform to build on and come back stronger next year.

“It was more important today than all the others, because on two occasions we have won it as part of the double.”

On joining Ferguson on five FA Cup wins, Wenger said: “I am in good company, looking back at our run it was amazingly difficult because we had to play Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and Wigan in the semi-final and then Hull again today.”