LONDON - Arsene Wenger set his sights on a record-breaking FA Cup triumph after holders Arsenal rode their luck to return to the final with a 2-1 win over Reading.

His side will contest a record 19th FA Cup final against Aston Villa or Liverpool thanks to a howler from Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici, who allowed Alexis Sanchez's tame extra-time shot to squirm into the net to settle a tense semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

The result took Arsenal ahead of Manchester United on 19 FA Cup final appearances and a victory in the final in May would give the north Londoners the trophy for the 12th time, breaking the record they currently share with United.

"Overall, any final is a 50-50, but if we can win and get the record, that would be great. Let's hope we have all our players available when we come back here in the final," said Wenger.

He admitted Arsenal were well below their best on Saturday but, rather than berate his players, he said Reading deserved immense credit for their tireless work rate.

"The spirit and concentration was there but what was missing was the speed and sharpness of our combinations in the last third," he said.

"It was a difficult game against a very resilient and physical team. We controlled the game in the first half but, in the second, we struggled to come with the same intensity.

"Reading were ready to die on the pitch to go to the final and you have to congratulate them for their effort."