Per Mertesacker thrilled by FA Cup semi-final triumph

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has expressed his delight at helping the team to reach the FA Cup final for a second consecutive year.

The holders sealed their progress in the competition on Saturday thanks to an extra-time victory over Reading at Wembley Stadium.

Despite picking up an ankle injury during the match, Mertesacker is happy that the Gunners will be vying for more silverware at the end of the season.

"I twisted my ankle but obviously I am delighted that we are back at Wembley - that is a fantastic achievement for this group for the second consecutive time," he told the club's official website. "We are really proud.

"It was a really tough game and we knew before that they would fight for their lives and give absolutely everything to keep us away from their goal and they did it fantastically. We are just delighted that we made it again."

Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they welcome leaders Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium.