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Arsenal showed resilience against Man City to reach FA Cup final

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Arsenal and Manches

Arsenal booked their place in the FA Cup final following an uncharacteristically resilient display in their 2-1 victory Manchester City at Wembley.

Alexis Sanchez was the match-winner for the Gunners, scoring in the first half of extra time to seal a return visit to Wembley where they will face Premier League leaders Chelsea on May 27.

The Gunners did it the hard way, coming from behind after Nacho Monreal's 71st-minute strike cancelled out Sergio Aguero's opener.

Here are the talking points from Arsene Wenger's side's win at Wembley…

Three at the back again

Wenger turned to three at the back for Monday's 2-1 win at Middlesbrough and much of pre-match talk was whether he'd stick with it for the semi-final against City.

But stick with it he did and he was rewarded with a solid display at the back from Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel and Rob Holding as they helped limit City to three shots on target.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23:  Rob Holding and Arsenal players applaud supporters after the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Arsenal and Manchester C
Image: Rob Holding put in an solid performance as part of a back three at Wembley

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was a constant thorn in City's side, and Monreal also played a huge role on the flanks, not only for the equaliser, but they both put in a huge shift to give Arsenal solidity in defence and a cutting edge in attack.

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After Monday, many were wondering if we would see Arsenal use the formation again but now they have a blueprint which could see them win the FA Cup and make a late push to finish in the Premier League's top four, with Liverpool's slip-up against Crystal Palace giving the chasing pack renewed hope.

Sanchez strikes again

Arsenal's Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (L) celebrates scoring their second goal with Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel during the FA Cup semi-final fo
Image: Alexis Sanchez celebrates Arsenal's winner with Gabriel

It may not have been a vintage Sanchez performance but Arsenal's star was right on cue when it mattered, scoring the goal that sent the north London club to a third final in four years.

Sanchez, who will have just one year left on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, was on the scoresheet last Monday to help Arsenal post a confidence boosting win at Middlesbrough. And in extra-time at Wembley Mesut Ozil's free-kick reached the Chile international at the back post and he swept the ball home to spark wild celebrations.

The forward, who is now Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer at Wembley, has not been at his best in the last few weeks but the winning goal was another pointer to just how important he is to Arsenal.

Wenger agreed, saying: "Alexis Sanchez was like the team. He had problems to start and became stronger and stronger. He is an animal, always ready to kill the opponent. He will never give up."

"He will be here next year because he has a contract and hopefully we will manage to extend him."

Arsenal fans will be hoping the same.

Arsenal show resilience

It's often said that Arsenal lack mental toughness but they showed it in abundance against City, leaving Wenger a proud manager.

"It was a big test for us today," Wenger said in his post-match press conference. "It was a mental test because many people questioned us. I'm very proud of the players."

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Gabriel of Arsenal and Leroy Sane of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between A
Image: Gabriel (left) and Leroy Sane compete for the ball

At Wembley Arsenal showed a physical, defensive side not often associated with them under Wenger.

The Gunners had just 34 per cent possession but they showed defensive discipline which only lapsed when Aguero got in behind to break the deadlock.

They never shirked a tackle and they showed a desire to get across the line that will give the Frenchman encouragement as they look to finish the season on a high.

Wenger's future?

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23:  Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal celebrates his team's 2-1 victory at the final whistle during the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final
Image: Arsene Wenger celebrates his team's 2-1 victory at the final whistle

Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, again remained tight-lipped about his future, straight-batting a question which hinted at him staying beyond the end of the season by asking what the victory meant for next season.

"I don't understand the question," Wenger quipped after a brief pause.

There's no getting away from the difficulty the Gunners have faced in recent months but victory at Wembley is welcome relief for everyone at the club - the fans, the players, the board and Wenger.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23:  Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal instructs players after the extra time half time during the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match
Image: Wenger instructs players during extra time

Plenty of questions have been asked about the players and whether they were playing for the manager, but that cannot be levelled at them today.

They left everything out on the field for their manager, putting in a performance which suggests Wenger has not lost the dressing room and may just be the man for the job after all.

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