Arsene Wenger consoles Adam Federici over FA Cup error: 'He had a great game'

It's a feeling Arsene Wenger knows all to well.

Four years ago, Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny collectively botched a clearance attempt that allowed Birmingham City to score in the last minute of the FA Cup final and claim a 2-1 win over Arsenal.

On Saturday, the forces of the universe balanced the scales, as a horrific error in extra time from Reading 'keeper Adam Federici booked Arsenal's place in the final of the competition and provided Wenger with a chance to claim a record sixth FA Cup title.

Federici was visibly distressed after committing the howler. He was seen fighting back tears after the final whistle as manager Steve Clarke and others lent their support. On Monday, he received some kind words from Wenger, who commended his performance in the fixture in spite of the error.

"You can minor a bit the scale of the incident and tell him that it was not only him," Wenger said, according to the Guardian. 

"Overall, the guy carries that with him. Time helps better than any manager. Once it is done, it's done. You have to live with that. We are not equal in front of that. Some carry that their whole life and some recover quickly and forget about it. (Federici) should be comforted about the fact he had a great game."

Monday also saw Federici take to Twitter to issue an apology and thank Reading's supporters for having his back.

Arsenal will meet Aston Villa in the FA Cup final on May 30.