Arsenal have reached the FA Cup final for a record 19th time but they needed an extra-time howler from goalkeeper Adam Federici to squeeze past a game Reading side.
The Championship side had done well to get themselves on level terms, Garath McCleary’s goal cancelling out Alexis Sanchez’s well-taken opener to force extra time.
But
on the stroke of half time of extra time, Federici somehow allowed
Sanchez’s shot to squirm through his hands and beneath his legs and the
Gunners held on for victory.
It was a cruel way for Reading to go out and Federici, who had previously made a string of fine saves, left the field in tears.
A strangely lacklustre Arsenal had their chances to win the tie before extra time, both Gabriel Paulista and Aaron Ramsey spurning glorious chances.
But
the manner of the victory will matter little to Gunners fans, who will
be celebrating reaching yet another FA Cup final and are one match away
from defending their trophy against either Aston Villa or Liverpool.
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