Reading 1-2 Arsenal: Gunners reach FA Cup final after extra time

Arsenal are heading back to Wembley for the FA Cup final - but they were stretched to the limit by Reading before booking their return trip.

Alexis scored the winner halfway through extra-time, his low shot squirming underneath Adam Federici and crossing the line before the Reading goalkeeper could retrieve it.

The Chilean had given Arsenal the lead in normal time too, applying a cool finish after Mesut Ozil had picked out his darting run. But Reading gave as good as they got and equalised when Wojciech Szczesny was unable to keep out Garath McCleary's shot.

Aaron Ramsey went closest to winning the game in 90 minutes, hitting the post from close range after a fine counter-attack. And so to extra-time, when Federici's luck ran out.

Arsenal and their fans are used to tense semi-finals - Wigan Athletic gave them plenty of anxious moments this time last year. But once again Arsène Wenger's team have prevailed, and a record 19th final appearance awaits.

Can they win the famous old trophy for a record 12th time? The omens are good - the last three times Arsenal have faced lower-league opposition in the last four, they’ve lifted the cup.