Ramsey relieved to progress

Alexis Sanchez's two goals, the second via a howler from Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici, saw the defending champions through despite Garath McCleary's goal for the Royals.

Ramsey told BBC One: "We knew it was going to be a tough game, they showed great character to come back into it and we were on the ropes at times.

"Obviously we had a bit of luck in the last goal but we're delighted to be going through to another Wembley final.

"Reading made us work for it but we got through in the end. It doesn't matter how, we're in another final."

Federici left the field in tears after fumbling Sanchez's shot through his legs and over the line for the clinching goal.

And Ramsey said: "I've felt the experience of losing in a final and it's not a nice feeling. I have sympathy with him but unfortunately a team has to lose and happily for us it was Reading today."

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "It was tough, they defended well, we didn't find our stride and struggled to win the 50-50s.

"They were on a different planet, motivation-wise, to what we have seen on tape. It's the occasion of their lives, they wouldn't give up until the end.

"When you're in a final you can win, you want to win it - let's prepare well, finish well in the league, come back here and we'll do everything to win it."