Arsenal upset odds to reach Cup final
ARSENAL upset the odds and set up an all-London FA Cup final against Chelsea following their 2-1 extra-time triumph over Manchester City.
Alexis Sanchez was the Gunners’ hero, prodding home after Nacho Monreal had equalised Sergio Aguero’s effort to take the Wembley semi-final beyond 90 minutes.
Arsene Wenger’s side are 11-8 to claim their third FA Cup in four years with Chelsea rated between 8-11 and 4-7. Ladbrokes offer 9-2 that Arsenal lift the trophy at Wembley next month and Wenger leaves the club before the start of next season.
It was a disappointing result for City, who argued that they had a legitimate Aguero goal chalked off and also hit the woodwork twice, but Pep Guardiola’s debut season in England will end without silverware.
Bet365 go 4-9 that City win a major trophy next season and 13-8 the 2017-18 campaign is also a blank for Guardiola, while Coral offer 4-5 that league leaders Chelsea land a double.
Arsenal had been 7-4 to reach the final but that was by no means the biggest shock of the day as Crystal Palace landed a touch for their backers at 6-1 in a 2-1 victory over top-four chasing Liverpool at Anfield.
Former Red Christian Benteke bagged a brace for the Eagles, who moved up to the dizzy heights of 12th.
Liverpool remain third but have drifted to 8-13 for a top-four finish and Manchester United were cut to 7-4 in that market following a 2-0 win at Burnley. Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney were on target for United at Turf Moor.
Celtic comfortably beat Rangers 2-0 in their William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final and will meet Aberdeen in the final.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are 2-7 with the sponsors to complete the final leg of their treble bid.