It was a goal fitting for the occasion in front of 90,000 spectators and just reward for Arsenal’s dominant performance as they put Villa to the sword with a victory that makes a massive statement to their Premier League rivals ahead of next season.Theo Walcott opened the scoring for Arsenal with a left-footed strike five minutes before half-time to justify Wenger’s decision to start him ahead of Olivier Giroud in attack.Per Mertesacker’s header in the 62nd minute punished some dreadful Villa defending as Arsenal threatened a rout. With virtually the last kick of the game, substitute Giroud turned in the fourth from close range to complete a scoreline that did not flatter his side.In their three previous matches here in the last two seasons, Arsenal have done it the hard way and been taken to extra-time or penalties. Now, though, the Wembley jitters have been banished and they look close to the real deal. Forget the quality - or lack of - of their opponents today, this was about an Arsenal team that can finally trust themselves and deliver when it matters.A season that six months ago had Arsenal supporters calling for Wenger’s head has ended with a second successive FA Cup triumph. It’s the Gunners’ sixth under the Frenchman and 12th in their history, making them the most successful club in the competition’s history.Alexis is supposedly burned out, but he proved just why Wenger has kept faith with him - and why the Frenchman has turned to a policy of signing high profile and expensive world stars over the last couple of years.Alexis is a symbol of a new era for Arsenal, the star quality that can change the course of a match in an instant and has been missing in recent years. The €40 million signing has ended the campaign with 25 goals and the promise of much more to come next season.It's great [playing alongside him]. I've had limited opportunities but when I've been on the pitch with him we've been linking up very well,” said Walcott. “He's very talented. He's a dream to play with. He's got everything.But Alexis himself had a helping hand from some of the old guard here and Walcott was his chief lieutenant. Between them, they had too much speed and skill for a Villa defence that was terrified of their threat in behind.On the back of a hat-trick against West Brom in Arsenal’s final league fixture, Walcott’s thumping opener highlighted why Wenger is so insistent that he will not be sold this summer even if he doesn’t extend a contract that expires in a year's time.The stadium filled up in the hour before kick-off as the two sets of supporters traded chants accompanied by a brass band on the pitch. In the west end sat the Aston Villa fans, opposite them 30,000 Arsenal fanatics wearing the same yellow as their heroes on the pitch.The traditional pre-match rendition of Abide with Me was followed by booming pyrotechnics as the players were led out of the tunnel by their managers. Tim Sherwood, thankfully, ditched his gilet and was appropriately suited and booted for the occasion.From the start, Arsenal looked relaxed, the pressure valve of their nine-year trophy drought released last year now allows them to express themselves on the biggest stage.Wenger’s men were in dominant mood. Twice Aaron Ramsey missed the target when he might have done better before Walcott was denied a certain goal from point-blank range by a stunning block by Kieran Richardson.The waves kept on coming, though, and in the 40th minute the goal finally arrived. Nacho Monreal’s cross from the left was nodded down by Alexis and Walcott smashed home emphatically from 12 yards.Five minutes after the restart, Alexis produced his moment of magic to send the Gunners fans wild, and finish off Villa once and for all.It was the goal that ensured there was no way back for Villa. It was also a mark of one player's special talent and the hope he gives Arsenal ahead of next season.
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