Reading boss Steve Clarke: 'We deserved more against Arsenal'

Reading manager Steve Clarke has praised his side for their "really good performance" against Arsenal in their FA Cup semi-final defeat.

Alexis Sanchez scored in extra time to confirm victory for the Gunners, but Clarke believes that his side deserved more than they got at Wembley.

He told BBC Sport: "It was a really good performance, I feel for the players they gave everything, feel for the supporters they gave everything. It should have been a good afternoon for us but sometimes in football you do not get reward for such a good performance.

"The second half we grew into the game and found belief and found a bit of quality to get back into the game. It is a good job there was goalline technology otherwise I am not sure they would have given us the goal. We should have had a penalty in the 65th minute for a handball. You need these moments to go for us."

Clarke defended goalkeeper Adam Federici, whose error led to Sanchez's winner, and praised him for his performances this year.

He added: "Federici is upset, he had made a mistake in a key game but he is a strong personality and has been magnificent for the club all season. Without his saves we would be in even more trouble at the bottom of the Championship."

Arsenal will face either Liverpool or Aston Villa in May's final.