Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Aaron Ramsey: Arsenal have to be 'right in Hazard's face' in FA Cup final

Aaron Ramsey says Arsenal's plan to stop Eden Hazard in the FA Cup final is to "be right in his face."

Hazard scored a spectacular solo goal in Chelsea's 3-1 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in February, and Ramsey said the Gunners are determined to close him down better at Wembley on Saturday.

"We can't let that happen again, we have to be right in his face and stop that at source," Ramsey told Arsenal's official website.

Arsenal enter the game against the Premier League champions as underdogs, especially given their defensive worries. Centre-backs Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista will both miss the game, while Shkodran Mustafi faces a late fitness test.

But Ramsey is still hopeful that the Gunners can repeat their performance from the 3-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates in September.

"I think the way we started the [home] game in the first half was very good," Ramsey said. "We won the game in the first half really. We were very quick, we counter-attacked well, closed them down, got about them and everything seemed to come together on that day.

"I'm sure something similar will be required to beat them in the final as well."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's form has impressed Aaron Ramsey.">

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is fit again for Arsenal after missing their final two Premier League games, and could start in his newly adopted wing-back role.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of Arsenal's best players in the FA Cup semifinal win over Manchester City, and Ramsey said the England international has clearly taken a step forward this year.

"Chambo has had a good season, it's been his best scoring-wise, and he's played in a few positions," Ramsey said.

"Chambo is a big threat going forward, he's very explosive and quick off the mark, he can go past players with ease and his final ball in has been very good -- he's had quite a few assists this year. He seems to have really kicked on this year, so he's only going to get better and better."

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