Per Mertesacker has hailed Arsenal’s “fantastic achievement” in reaching a second successive FA Cup final.

The holders were run close by Reading on Saturday evening, but progressed after Alexis Sanchez’s extra-time winner.

Mertesacker was pleased with the result, but admitted the Gunners were pushed all the way by their Championship opponents.

"It is a little progress [and] it would be a great honour, back to back FA Cup wins" Per Mertesacker

“I twisted my ankle but obviously I am delighted that we are back at Wembley - that is a fantastic achievement for this group for the second consecutive time,” the vice-captain said. “We are really proud.

“It was a really tough game and we knew before that they would fight for their lives and give absolutely everything to keep us away from their goal and they did it fantastically. We are just delighted that we made it again.

“It is a little progress [and] it would be a great honour, back to back FA Cup wins. We were knocked out of the Champions League and that was a big blow for us but after that we responded and it is a great achievement. Let’s continue our great run.

“We just wanted to win and do something fantastic for the team and the group. You can see everyone is absolutely happy and delighted.”