90min

Twitter reacts as Leicester City survive VAR scare to win the FA Cup

By Max Cooper

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Wow, wow, wow! What a game! Never, ever question the significance of the FA Cup folks, because Saturday was a prime example of exactly why it remains the greatest domestic cup competition in world football.

The stage was set for a rip-roaring final between Chelsea and Leicester City, with the Foxes aiming to win the FA Cup for the first time in their history. As for Chelsea, this winning machine didn't look like slowing down, as they marched on to a probable top-four finish and a Champions League final.

In the end, it was a wonder strike from midfielder Youri Tielemans that separated the two teams, handing the Foxes all the glory at a partly-filled Wembley Stadium on Saturday. History, emotion, the lot.

Leicester started the game well, but their afternoon took a turn when Jonny Evans succumbed to the injury which has plagued him in recent weeks, meaning Brendan Rodgers was forced into an early change.

Marc Albrighton replaced the centre-back, as the first half passed with little incident, but the second half provided the bang. That bang came from Tielemans' right foot, after the Belgian midfielder sent a blistering strike towards goal, and Kepa Arrizabalaga could get nowhere near it.

Some of us saw this coming of age from a mile off, however.

It was so good, even Albrighton couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed.

It was a special afternoon for the substitute wing-back, who continued to rack up the honours that his impressive career deserves.

The final was far from over, however. Kasper Schmeichel had to be at his cat-like best to keep Chelsea at bay, first stopping Ben Chilwell's header, and then somehow tipping Mason Mount's vicious strike around the post.

The big Dane got the love he deserved from you guys.

However, his best save came after the match, freeing Jamie Vardy from the shackles of an interview to go and enjoy the fun. If there's one man who loves fun, it is Vardy, after all.

Spare a thought for Vardy by the way, who has made the incredible journey through the lower leagues of English football to arrive at the top of the game. What a man.

That moment didn't arrive before the main talking point, however. The Blues finally found a way past Schmeichel, and it was club legend Wes Morgan who accidentally bundled the ball into the net. Heartbreak.

Fortunately, there was one final twist in this fairytale. VAR, everyone's enemy at one time or another, rescued Leicester, adjudging ex-Fox Chilwell to be offside in the buildup, and the equaliser was disallowed. Cue pandemonium.

One guess who this guy supports.

And so, the curtain fell on one of the most exciting FA Cup finals in recent memory. Brendan Rodgers was the hero, leading Leicester to their first ever FA Cup success, and it was hugs, cheers and tears all round.

Congratulations, Leicester City!

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