Arsenal 3-2 Hull City: Steve Bruce Questions Officials' Decisions

Bruce Disputes Officials' Decisions After Cup Final Defeat
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City looks after reciving his runner-up medal after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Michael Regan - The FA via Getty Images

Hull City manager Steve Bruce questioned the officials' decisions that led to Arsenal's first two goals, as they extinguished their opponents' lead to win their first FA Cup in nine years.

Bruce disputed whether his son, Alex, had fouled Santi Cazorla outside the Tigers' box before the Spaniard brilliantly halved the deficit in the 17th minute, while replays showed the corner that led to Laurent Koscielny's equaliser had not deflected off a Hull player.

"When you’re 2-0 up, it's quite remarkable, it's a great start for us, you just want to get to half-time, if you can," Bruce said. "There’s a big couple of decisions in there, I’d like to see them again. Whether it's a free-kick for Cazorla, I'm not sure. Certainly, with the equaliser, we all thought it was a goal kick. I don't think it's the time to whinge, but it costs you.

"They've got back in it with a bit of quality. It's not the time to whinge and bleat but was it a free-kick? I ain't so sure. And certainly, the way they are talking in the dressing room, what led to the corner was certainly a goal kick."

"I always believe your name's on it and at one stage, I thought it was going to be our day. But all credit to Arsenal and congratulations to them. They were under enormous pressure and they've come back, I thought they were down and out. It took some magic from Cazorla who showed, of course, what he can do."

Bruce's magnanimity in defeat was admirable, despite Hull's disappointment. They became the second side this century to let a two-goal lead slip in an FA Cup final.

"One thing you have to be is gracious in defeat and Arsenal are a fantastic club," Bruce said. "How he [Arsène Wenger] gets the stick I do not know. The fella's a top class manager and always puts together a top class team. And we say, from all of us, congratulations to Arsenal. Well done to them."

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(L-R) Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger celebrates with the FA Cup trophy in the stands after the game (credit:PA)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal leads the trophy celebrations after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Captain Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal (2R) lifts the trophy in celebration as Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal (R) looks on after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Captain Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal (R) kisses the trophy in celebration after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Winning goalscorer Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (C) lifts the trophy in celebration after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal leads the trophy celebrations after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's French striker Olivier Giroud celebrates winning the English FA Cup final match against Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal celebrates victory with fans after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Captain Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal shakes hands with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) as FA Chairman Greg Dyke (R) looks on after after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey holds the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final match against Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. Aaron Ramsey scored an extra-time winner as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 in a gripping FA Cup final. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal celebrates victory with fans after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (R) looks at his players holding the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final match against Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. Aaron Ramsey scored an extra-time winner as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 in a gripping FA Cup final. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal celebrates victory with the trophy after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Captain Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal (R) lifts the trophy in celebration alongside team mates after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (R) looks at his players holding the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final match against Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. Aaron Ramsey scored an extra-time winner as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 in a gripping FA Cup final. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's players hold the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final match against Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. Aaron Ramsey scored an extra-time winner as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 in a gripping FA Cup final. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal players celebrate with Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ground-obscured) after he scored the third and winning goal during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (L) celebrates with Kieran Gibbs as he scores their third goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (L) celebrates with Kieran Gibbs as he scores their third goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City celebrates as he scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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ITV pundits Andy Townsend (left), Dean Windass (centre) and presenter Adrian Chiles pitchside as the FA Cup trophy sits on it's plinth prior to kick-off during the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2014. See PA Story SOCCER FA Cup. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 or see www.paphotos.com/info/ for full restrictions and further information. (credit:PA)
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Hull City's manager Steve Bruce before the game (credit:PA)
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Hull City's manager Steve Bruce before the game (credit:PA)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City celebrates as he scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City celebrates as he scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City celebrates as he scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City celebrates during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal scores their first goal from a free kick during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Curtis Davies of Hull City (6) celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: A young Hull fan cheers his team on prior to kickoff during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates with team mate Alex Bruce as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: An Arsenal fan looks on prior to the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: A young Hull fan looks on prior to kickoff during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal scores their first goal from a free kick during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City reacts during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal reacts during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal holds off Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla scores his team's first goal during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRKNOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Lukas Podolski of Arsenal jumps with Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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CROPPED VERSION Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla scores his team's first goal during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRKNOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla scores his team's first goal during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRKNOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates with team mate Alex Bruce (R) and Tom Huddlestone (L) as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Hull City's English defender Curtis Davies (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Hull City's Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Elmohamady during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: James Chester of Hull City (5) celebrates with team mate Alex Bruce (R) and Tom Huddlestone (L) as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal battles with Curtis Davies of Hull City during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Hull City's English defender Curtis Davies (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Hull City's English defender Curtis Davies (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the English FA Cup final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembly Stadium in London on May 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK == NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (R) celebrates with Mikel Arteta as he scores their third goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: David Meyler of Hull City tackles Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Bruce remained bullish despite the crushing disappointment at a venue he has felt dejection at before. Hull finished 16th in the Premier League and comfortably avoided relegation, and Bruce has targeted an improvement on their league finish next season.

"You could see why they got promoted and why they’ve had the season that they’ve had," he added. "They showed an incredible amount of courage to go and take the game to them. On another day we might have just won the cup, but it wasn't to be.

"We’re delighted with what we’ve done, we now have to move forward and the vast majority of them lads that played with me today, played in the Championship. So they've had a wonderful couple of years. And it might have been a bit more historic and more memorable if we'd had nicked it today. But we fell just short. Sometimes, you know when your name’s on it and it wasn’t our day."