Reading put up a good fight in the opening half against favourites Arsenal but one moment of quality from Mesut Ozil was finished off smartly by Alexis Sanchez to give the Gunners the lead.
The FA Cup holders had to bide their time in the first half, competing for many aerial duels as Reading looked to take advantage of their physical presence up front, but Arsenal seem like an experienced side these days.
Arsene Wenger’s men realised that they had to be up for the physical battle in the opening exchanges and that is exactly what they did and the quality eventually told.
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World Cup winner Ozil was given too much time 20 yards out and he picked out a lovely pass to Alexis inside the penalty. The Chilean showed marvellous composure to sell a dummy and cooly finish – a £77m goal.
However, with Reading’s pace in behind, their defensive qualities will be tested.