Alex-is Cup Hero

Alexis Sanchez struck twice as holders Arsenal reached a record 19th FA Cup Final with a 2-1 extra time victory over Reading.

The Chilean took his tally to 22 goals in all competitions with a man-of-the-match display, although the overall team performance was lacking from the London club in their Wembley semi-final.

Arsenal were overwhelming favourites going into the game but their Championship opponents, who had levelled the scores through Garath McCleary, showed great resilience throughout and should be proud of their display.

Adam Federici had an impressive game in the Reading goal but, unfortunately, for the Australian shot-stopper he will be remembered more for the error that caused the winner rather than the string of fine saves he made during the game.

Ultimately it was the Gunners who were celebrating at the final whistle but they will need to up their game massively in next month's showpiece if they are to overcome the winners of the other semi-final between Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Arsenal started the game brightly with Sanchez's shot being deflected over before Per Mertesacker's header was excellently kept out by Federici from the resulting corner.

At the other end Jordan Obita forced a save from Wojciech Szczesny and Nathaniel Chalobah's strike was deflected out for a corner by Mertesacker. Chalobah was soon in the thick of the action again as his pass set up Jamie Mackie, but the striker's effort was saved by Szczesny before he was then pulled back for offside.

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock six minutes before the break after a superb pass from Mesut Ozil found Sanchez. The Chilean controlled the ball magnificently before readjusting his feet and slotting the ball through the legs of Federici.

Reading refused to give up and levelled the scores within nine minutes of the restart. Pavel Pogrebnyak got to the byline and clipped the ball back for McCleary and his first-time shot deflected in off Kieran Gibbs despite the best efforts of Szczesny. The Polish goalkeeper did manage to get something on the ball but couldn't stop it going in and really should've done better to prevent the goal.

Mertesacker was forced off shortly after the hour mark and soon after the Royals had two appeals for handball against Mathieu Debuchy, who was making his first appearance following his comeback from a long injury lay-off, turned down. Reading didn't let that deter them and Danny Williams sent his shot wide as the underdogs tried to find a way back into the game.

Arsenal nearly regained the lead through substitute Gabriel Paulista but the defender's effort was superbly kept out by Federici, while Ozil later shot over the bar.

Both sides wasted chances to win the game in normal time. Chalobah's shot from outside the box was beaten away by Szczesny while, at the other end, Aaron Ramsey forced a save out of Federici before firing the rebound against a post with only one man on the line.

With just four minutes left on the clock Reading found themselves bursting forward two on one. Pogrebnyak decided against picking out his strike partner Mackie and instead hit a tame effort straight at Szczesny to force extra time.

Extra time didn't really burst into life until the closing minutes of the first half when Ramsey saw his long-range strike well saved by Federici. At the other end, Pogrebnyak's shot was well blocked by Gabriel before Arsenal regained their lead in added time of the first half of extra time. Ozil set up Sanchez, who cut inside into the box before firing in a shot that the unfortunate Federici could only fumble through his legs as it crossed the line.

Reading were tiring but still wouldn't give up as the game entered the second period of extra time. The Royals tried to hit their opponents on the counter attack and were almost rewarded following a fine run by Mackie but the striker could only sent his shot over the bar.

Arsenal almost put the result beyond doubt with a third goal when Ozil set up Olivier Giroud but the substitute's effort hit a post.

Despite a very hard-working and spirited performance Reading didn't actually create too many clear-cut chances to trouble Szczesny in the Arsenal goal. The final chance of note for the the courageous underdogs, who deserve huge credit for their display, fell to Williams but the midfielder's effort sailed over the bar as Arsenal moved themselves to within just 90 minutes of retaining their title.

Part of me would rather face Liverpool as that would undoubtedly be the biggest spectacle for an FA Cup Final. Another part of me would rather see Aston Villa win the other match as there are too many omens surrounding outgoing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. But whoever we end up playing in the final it will be a tough game as there are no easy ties in the FA Cup. That’s the magic of the competition.

Arsene Wenger's men will be hoping to lift a record 12th FA Cup next month but for now they must focus all their attentions on their league campaign.

Manchester United were unable to take advantage of Arsenal's break from league action and missed the chance to leapfrog the Gunners after a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea. That result meant that Arsenal remained in second place ahead of the visit of league leaders Chelsea to the Emirates in their next match.

Arsenal will need to put in a much better performance to stand a chance of getting a result against Chelsea. Although it is very unlikely that we can stop Jose Mourinho's men from winning the title we should at least look to put a dent in it to prove we can beat the best in the division.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS