Per Mertesacker: "We have great character"

Per Mertesacker believes that Arsenal's penalty shootout victory against Wigan Athletic shows the "great character" of the players.

The Gunners fell behind to Jordi Gomez's 63rd-minute penalty in the FA Cup semi-final, before Mertesacker struck a little over 10 minutes from time to take the game into extra time and penalties.

Asked if the victory at Wembley was down to Arsenal's mental strength, the German international told ITV Sport: "Yeah, I think so because of the second half.

"First half we were a bit timid, couldn't get through enough, but second half I think we hit the post twice and had a couple of good chances so it was a good comeback.

"I think we have great character. A lot of people have questioned that recently but our comeback today, we proved a lot. Now we want to win it."

Arsenal will face either Sheffield United or Hull City in the final, with the pair meeting tomorrow.