The 2014 FA Cup Final vs Hull City
From the brink of humiliation to an extra-time resurrection that broke nine years of silence.
The 2014 FA Cup Final stands as the definitive watershed in modern Arsenal history, shattering a nine-year trophy drought that had defined an era of near-misses and heartbreak. Played under the Wembley lights against Hull City, this match is remembered not for clinical fluency, but for a gritty, tear-stained resilience; Arsenal clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory in extra time. This triumph didn't just lift silverware; it exorcised the 'Curse of the FA Cup' that had haunted the Gunners since 2005, officially crowning Arsène Wenger as the competition's most decorated manager and forging a psychological turning point where the squad learned to survive chaos rather than crumble.
- Competition
- FA Cup Final
- Date
- 17 May 2014
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Result
- Arsenal 3–2 Hull City (AET)
- Key Moment
- Olivier Giroud's header in extra time
- Significance
- Ended 9-year trophy drought
Lore & Background
The match became a brutal test of character. After Sone Aluko and James Chester tore through Arsenal's defense in the opening 20 minutes, leaving the Gunners disjointed and shell-shocked, hope seemed lost. Yet, the second half ignited a resurgence fueled by Mesut Özil's visionary passing and Santi Cazorla's metronomic control. Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud dragged the scoreline back to level, forcing extra time where the tension was suffocating. In the 109th minute, Giroud rose above the Hull defense for a thunderous header, transforming a potential second-half collapse into one of the most celebrated comebacks in FA Cup folklore.
In Their Own Story
As Hull City took their second lead, the roar of Wembley seemed to curdle into a dull, anxious hum. Arsenal players trudged toward the tunnel at halftime, heads bowed, the crushing weight of nine empty years pressing down on their shoulders. But inside the dressing room, there was no surrender—only a quiet, steely resolve. When they returned, the tempo shifted violently. The ball found Özil's feet, then Cazorla's, weaving through the Hull defense with surgical precision. As extra time ticked agonizingly away, Giroud launched himself into the air, his head connecting with the ball in a moment of pure instinct. The net rippled, the stadium erupted in deafening noise, and the long silence of the last nine years was finally, irrevocably broken.
Reader's Guide
The 2014 FA Cup Final pitted Arsenal against newly promoted Hull City at Wembley Stadium, delivering one of the tournament's most dramatic reversals. Facing a daunting early challenge, Arsenal conceded two quick goals to Sone Aluko and James Chester within the first 20 minutes, appearing overwhelmed by Hull's physical intensity. However, the second half witnessed a tactical metamorphosis: Mesut Özil orchestrated the attack while Santi Cazorla dictated the tempo, dismantling the Hull midfield.
Aaron Ramsey ignited the comeback with a crucial equalizer in the 52nd minute, followed by Olivier Giroud leveling the score just before full time to force extra time. The climax arrived in the 109th minute when Giroud powered home a header to seal the victory. Beyond the silverware, this win was pivotal for restoring belief within the squad and launching a new decade of cup dominance under Arsène Wenger.
Did You Know?
- This match marked Arsenal's first FA Cup win since 2005, ending a nine-year wait for silverware.
- Olivier Giroud scored two goals, including the winner in extra time, becoming the hero of the day.
- Hull City manager Steve Bruce was forced to make six substitutions due to injuries, highlighting the physical toll of the match.
- The victory secured Arsène Wenger's sixth FA Cup title, extending his record as the most successful manager in the competition's history.