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Sanchez caps Arsenal fightback, sets Chelsea final date

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LONDON: Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal an FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea and gave Arsene Wenger renewed hope of salvaging a troubled campaign as the gritty Gunners fought back to beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday.


When Sergio Aguero put City ahead in the second half of a bruising semi-final, Wenger’s side were on the verge of another dispiriting defeat in arguably the worst season of the Frenchman’s 21-year reign.


But, despite being out-played for long periods, Arsenal summoned a spirit and desire too often missing from their performances this term.


Nacho Monreal’s equaliser forced extra-time and Sanchez’s predatory finish in the additional period secured a final date with Premier League leaders Chelsea back at Wembley on May 27.


Arsenal’s third FA Cup final in the last four years — they won it in 2014 and 2015 — gives them a record 20 appearances in the showpiece match of the famous old competition.


Crucially, it presents Wenger with a chance to mute the mounting criticism from his club’s supporters who want him to resign.


The Gunners’ failure to challenge for the Premier League title has been compounded by their slide out of the top four.


But those close to Wenger believe he is still leaning towards staying.


With fourth placed City well adrift of leaders Chelsea, boss Pep Guardiola is destined to finish his first season empty-handed.


He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players before a vital derby against Manchester United as the top four battles heats up on Thursday.


City came close to striking first when the diminutive David Silva rose to meet Aguero’s cross with a header that Petr Cech pushed over.


Silva departed due to injury soon after, but City monopolised possession and Arsenal were often reduced to kicking their opponents out of their rhythm.


Aguero and Raheem Sterling combined to bundle the ball into the net just before half-time, but the goal was controversially ruled out because Leroy Sane’s cross was adjudged to have gone out as it looped over the bar before curling back into play. — AFP


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