Arsene Wenger’s remarkable FA Cup record at Arsenal
The FA Cup quarter finals provided plenty of entertainment, with two or more goals across all four matches.
Manchester United scored in the dying embers of extra time to knock out Liverpool, while Coventry City scored a last gasp winner against Wolves, proving the magic of the cup is not dead.
Who is the favourite to win the 2024 FA Cup?
After their straightforward 2-0 win over Newcastle United, Manchester City are the favourites to win the trophy with regards to FA Cup odds, leading the way at 4/6.
Man United are current second favourites at odds of 9/4 to lift the trophy for the first time since 2016, while Chelsea are 6/1 and Coventry massive outsiders at 25/1.
Arsenal may have been knocked out by Liverpool in January, but they currently hold the record for most wins in the competition with 14. Former manager Arsene Wenger was in charge for half of these and his record in the event is wonderful.
Arsene Wenger won seven FA Cups as Arsenal manager
The enigmatic Frenchman arrived in England to little fanfare in October 1996, taking over the reigns at Arsenal, who were on a swift decline from their glory days in the late 80s and early 90s.
Wenger did not take long to restore parity in North London, leading the club to their second ever double in his first full season in charge, defeating Newcastle in the FA Cup final.
Due to Man United’s dominance over the next three seasons, it would take the Gunners another three years to reach the final, although they were defeated by Liverpool in the 2001 showpiece event courtesy of a late Michael Owen winner.
This was the start of a run which saw the club claim victory in 2002, 2003 and 2005, with the latter final against Wenger’s nemesis in English football – Sir Alex Ferguson.
#OnThisDay in 2005, Arsenal and Man United’s titanic rivalry reached its climax in the 2005 FA Cup Final.
Freezing cold and in the pissing rain, watch the dramatic penalty shootout in full. It’s still a lot of fun. pic.twitter.com/dJXTyZFKTJ
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) May 21, 2021
The Scot had gotten the better of Wenger numerous times over the years, but the 2005 final saw his side losing on penalties, allowing the former AS Monaco coach to win the competition for the fourth time in nine years.
What followed next was a near decade long barren spell which threatened to ruin his reputation among the supporters.
In 2014, the Gunners reached the final for the first time since 2005 and duly produced a stunning comeback victory over Hull City.
A year later, Wenger won back to back FA Cups for the second time during his spell in charge of the club and it looked as though they were trending in the right direction for once.
Happy 69th birthday to Arsène Wenger.
7 FA Cup
3 Premier League
1 unbeaten season22 years in charge at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/t5LW6GUR0X
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2018
Premier League success continued to elude them, but the Frenchman managed to get the better of Antonio Conte and his Chelsea team during the 2017 final, claiming a special 2-1 win to secure the Gunners their 14th FA Cup.
Current manager Mikel Arteta took just six months to win the event and while he may not reach the seven titles Wenger has won, another few trophies could mean he is on the right course to be a worthwhile successor.
