FA Cup: Federici was best player on pitch in 1-2 defeat, says Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny

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

London: 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.


Arsenal's Wojciech Szczesny 

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.

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