Wenger's New Tactics

Amid the cheers of the fans, the players of both teams stepped onto the pitch.

Liverpool wore their red home kits today.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were dressed in gold away kits.

The roar of ninety thousand people seemed capable of lifting Wembley's turf right off the ground.

The cannon TIFO spread across the South Stand rippled gently amid the noise, while the Liver Bird in the North Stand overlooked the entire pitch.

The melody of Abide With Me drifted through the stadium.

It was an FA Cup final tradition, unchanged since 1927.

The broadcast cameras swept across the faces of the players from both teams.

Liverpool looked focused, while the Arsenal players carried the grim air of a last stand.

"Alright, both teams are on the pitch. Before the match begins, let's take a look at the starting lineups."

John Motson's voice rang out from the commentary booth and reached every fan watching the live broadcast.

"Liverpool have gone with their familiar 4-3-3 formation today."

"In goal is number 22, Mignolet!

"From right to left in defense: number 66 Arnold, number 32 Matip, number 4 Van Dijk, and number 26 Robertson!

"In midfield: number 7 Milner, number 16 Rodri, and number 14 Henderson!

"Up front is the familiar attacking trident: number 19 Mane on the right, number 10 Chen Anno through the middle, and number 11 Coutinho on the left!"

"Hmm... Arsenal's official formation today is a 3-4-2-1."

"Number 13 Ospina in goal.

"The three center-backs, from left to right, are number 18 Monreal, number 4 Per Mertesacker, and number 16 Holding.

"In midfield are number 34 Coquelin, number 29 Granit Xhaka, number 8 Aaron Ramsey, and number 24 Bellerin.

"Further forward are number 7 Sanchez and number 11 Mesut Ozil.

"Number 23 Welbeck is playing up front as the center-forward."