article_snippet.sent: Reading, still struggling to avoid relegation to League One, had performed heroically to push Arsenal into extra-time in this FA Cup semi-final and Adam Federici's had pulled off a series of stunning saves to keep the sides level at 1-1 but the Australian goalkeeper guessed there would be no way back now.
article_snippet.sent: Reading had fought valiantly but were unable to score another equaliser to take the tie to penalties .
article_snippet.sent: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (centre) gives instructions out to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (centre) team before the beginning of extra time .
article_snippet.sent: Reading held firm but Arsenal started to exert more and more pressure.
article_snippet.sent: Gabriel (right), a replacement for Per Mertesacker, powers a header at goal shortly after Reading had scored .
article_snippet.sent: Reading’s threat had been negligible.
article_snippet.sent: But six minutes from the end of normal time, Reading escaped when Aaron Ramsey missed an open goal, crashing a left-foot shot against the post.
article_snippet.sent: Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck (centre) has an effort blocked by Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici's .
article_snippet.sent: Germany defender Mertesacker (left) heads the ball goalwards for Arsenal against Reading .
article_snippet.sent: Reading's fans watch on as Reading's fans Championship side take on Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday .
article_snippet.sent: Reading manager Clarke gives instructions to Reading manager Clarke as his team take on Arsenal .
article_snippet.sent: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (centre)'s side failed to hit the level seen in recent games against Reading at Wembley .