Wojciech Szczesny on gaffe-keeper Adam Federici: 'He was the best player on the pitch'

Arsenal stopper has sympathy for Reading goalkeeper after mistake sees Arsenal reach the FA Cup final

(Getty Images)

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny admits he feels sorry for Adam Federici, insisting the Reading stopper was "the best player on the pitch" despite his costly error in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.

Federici allowed Alexis Sanchez's driven shot to slip through his body in extra-time as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners at Wembley to reach their second consecutive final, having beaten Hull to lift the trophy last year.

The mistake overshadowed a number of strong saves Federici had made to keep his side in the game and Szczesny had only kind words for his opposite number.

"He can be very proud. It only went to extra-time because the goalkeeper was magnificent," Szczesny told Arsenal's official website.

"We're very happy to go through but personally I do feel for the goalkeeper.

"It's a difficult moment for him. He was the best player on the pitch and in his dreams last night he was probably hoping he would get them through to the final.

"He did everything to do so but got very unlucky in extra-time.

"It was a really good performance from him and he's shown what a good keeper he is."

Arsenal looked like they might enjoy a comfortable afternoon when Sanchez opened the scoring in the first half, but Garath McCleary's equaliser galvanised the Championship outfit.

"You know what to expect when you play Championship sides," Szczesny said.

"They're very solid defensively, they're not scared to put their foot or head in and they defend very well.

"Today they did that with a great performance by their goalkeeper. It was a difficult game but we just got over the line."

Wojciech Szczesny watches the ball cross the line as Garath McCleary scores for Reading (Getty Images)

Arsenal are now just one win away from defending the crown they secured last year, with either Liverpool or Aston Villa lying in wait in the final.

Victory would also see the Gunners become the most successful FA Cup team of all time as they currently sit level on 11 titles with Manchester United.

"We want to win for the fans," Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla added.

"It's always special to play at Wembley and we have a good opportunity to get the title.

"Now we have to wait for the other team - Liverpool or Aston Villa."

PA