This team suffered, but they responded, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal player

Arsenal players celebrate with the title after their FA Cup win over Chelsea in London on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal's "spectacular" 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea was just reward for an outstanding display from his team at the end of a turbulent season. Wenger's side could have been forgiven for arriving at Wembley on Saturday at a low ebb after last weekend's devastating failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Wenger was full of admiration for the way his players took the fight to Chelsea, saying: "We had an outstanding performance from the first minute onwards. This team has suffered, but they're united and they responded. I said last week, this team will be in contention to win the title with one or two good buys. They showed strength and unity and played spectacular football today."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger holds the FA Cup

Alexis Sanchez put Arsenal ahead with a controversial opener that was allowed to stand despite an apparent handball. Diego Costa equalised for Chelsea in the second half, after Chelsea had lost Victor Moses to a second yellow card for diving. Aaron Ramsey bagged the winner three minutes later.

13 Number of FA Cup titles Arsenal have won; their seventh trophy under Wenger