Liverpool captain Gerrard, who turns 35 on the day of the final, had hoped to bring down the curtain on his Anfield career with a third FA Cup winner's medal, but instead it is Tim Sherwood's Villa who will tackle holders Arsenal on May 30. PHOTO: AFP
Liverpool captain Gerrard, who turns 35 on the day of the final, had hoped to bring down the curtain on his Anfield career with a third FA Cup winner's medal, but instead it is Tim Sherwood's Villa who will tackle holders Arsenal on May 30.
Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead at Wembley with a deflected finish in the 30th minute, but in-form Villa striker Christian Benteke equalised six minutes later before Delph snaffled a 54th-minute winner.
It is 15 years since Villa last reached an FA Cup final and 58 since they achieved the last of their seven successes in the tournament, but victory was just reward for a side who have been transformed since Sherwood succeeded Paul Lambert as manager on Valentine's Day.
Wenger eyes Cup record after Arsenal edge into final
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.
Wenger's club will contest a record 19th FA Cup final 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 on Saturday.
Federici's costly mistake allowed Arsenal to escape with a win they barely deserved from a performance that got progressively more disjointed after Garath McCleary's second half strike cancelled out Sanchez's 39th minute opener.
The result took Arsenal ahead of Manchester United on 19 FA Cup final appearances and a victory when they return to Wembley in May would give the North Londoners the trophy for the 12th time, breaking the record they currently share with United.
"The records show you are consistent, that is the most difficult thing to do," said Wenger. "Overall any final is a 50-50, but if we can win and get the record that would be great. Lets hope we have all our players available when we come back here in the final. We have time to prepare, now let’s focus on our next game."
Wenger had no qualms about admitting Arsenal were well below their best at Wembley and claimed Reading deserved immense credit for their tireless work-rate. "Reading were ready to die on the pitch to go to the final and you have to congratulate them for their effort," said the Frenchman.
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