For the second time in a row, Arsenal have made it into the FA Cup final. Like last season against Wigan Athletic, they made hard work of it, needing extra-time to dispose of Championship outfit Reading, with the game ending 2-1. The Berkshire team proved to be a difficult test, a gutsy team with a nothing-to-lose attitude. In the end, it took a unfortunate blunder from Aussie goalkeeper Adam Federici, following a shot from Arsenal ace Alexis Sanchez, that put the Gunners through. 

Amid a pretty average team display from Arsenal, there were a few standout performances. Midfield duo Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla continued their good streak of form with assured performances. Just in front of them, German international Mesut Özil was superb too, creating nine chances (a record in the FA Cup) and assisting both of Arsenal's goals. Olivier Giroud, too, altered the game when he came on for Danny Welbeck midway through the second half, utilising himself as a useful target man. 

It was Sanchez, however, who was the star man. The Chilean forward has been a revelation in his first season at the club, scoring 22 and assisting 11 goals in 45 games. His first goal came from a sublime ball from Özil, which cut through the defence, as it landed at Sanchez's feet and poked past Federici. The player then drifted in and out of the game, particularly in the second half of normal time, Reading's best spell.

He did, however, score the winner 105 minutes into the match. After receiving the ball from Özil, Sanchez cut in on his right foot and hit a relatively tame shot towards Federici. Luckily for Sanchez, the goalkeeper let the ball slip under his legs and across the line, prompting the stadium to erupt. Moreover, Sanchez also put a hell of a shift in when he needed to defend. Even in the 118th minute, he was tirelessly chasing every ball, to the point where he actually looked like he was going to collapse. For £35 million, Arsenal have acquired a real fighter. Hopefully the determination Sanchez has shown this season will be rewarded with a FA Cup medal in May.