Mertesacker throws down the gauntlet

‘Gunners must remain unbeaten for rest of the season’ —

PER MERTESACKER has challenged Arsenal to remain unbeaten until the end of the season after they reached the FA Cup Final. The Gunners required extra-time to seal a 2-1 victory against Reading, who were undone by a goalkeeping error from Adam Federici in the 115th minute as he allowed Alexis Sanchez’s low shot to squirm between his legs and over the line.

Arsene Wenger will attempt to lift the trophy for a sixth time — which would equal the record set by George Ramsay with Aston Villa between 1887 and 1920 — as Arsenal look to set a new best of 12 FA Cup wins in the final against Villa on May 30.

Before then, Arsenal face six Premier League matcheshes as they look to strengthenen their hold on se c ond pl a cc ee a nd Mertesacker is targetingg a con-continuation of the performancesrmances that have secured eightght con-consecutive wins prior too Satur-Saturday’s success.

Me r te sa c ke r said: “This was a really tough game and we knew it before, that Reading would fight for their livesves and give absolutely everythinging to keep us away from their goall and they did it fantastically. Wee are just delighted that we made it again. It is a little progress — itt will be a great honour, back-to-back FA Cu p wi n s . We have extended our season for one more week.

“We were knocked out of the Champions League and that was a big blow but after that we responded and it is a great achievement. Let’s continue our great run.”

Mer te s a c ke r l i mped of f midway through the second half with an ankle problem and his condition was being assessed today by the club’s medical staff.

The centre-back left the stadium unaided but with a slight limp. He admitted his injury had spoiled the occasion but the prospect of retaining the FA Cup for only the eighth time in the competition’scompetition history — Arsenal are among five teamste to have done so — has raised his spirits. “I felt my aankle and had to come off,” said Mertesacker. “I twistedtw my ankle but obviouslyously I am delighted that we are backba here again at Wembleybley ffor the second consecutivetive timetim and that is a fantastic achievementachiev for this group. “We are really proud. I have t o aa ss se s s my an k l e first. HopHopefully it is not too bad and I will be happy.

“You can see everyone is aa bb so l u t e l y ha p p y and dedelighted. What can I say? I aam a bit down but when tthe lads came in they wwere just delighted.” Arsenal’s bid to cont i nue th e i r wi nni ng