Arsenal boss Wenger hurt by Forest FA Cup exit

ARSENE Wenger criticised his players after Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest and admitted it “hurts very much” to lose in the third round for the first time as Gunners boss.

With Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea in mind, Wenger made nine changes as only Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles kept their places.

It was still a side packed with international players which took to the pitch at the City Ground but the Championship club came out on top in an action-packed tie.

Eric Lichaj scored twice either side of Per Mertesacker’s equaliser before penalties from Ben Brereton and Kieran Dowell sandwiched Danny Welbeck’s goal in a 4-2 win for Forest.

The East Midlands side finished the match with 10 men after Joe Worrall was shown a straight red card in the final minute for a late challenge on Chuba Akpom.

Wenger, the most successful manager in FA Cup history, winning it seven times, felt his team were inferior to the hosts in every department.

“I just think we were not good enough anywhere — not up front, in the middle or at the back — and we paid for it. We repeated the same mistakes — once, twice, three times,” said Wenger.

“They (Forest) looked sharper. They had more chances and an outstanding performance.

“They were sharp, winning decisive challenges, and dangerous going forward, and overall they deserved to win, as simple as that.

“Overall I would like to congratulate Nottingham Forest.

“It hurts very much because we have won the FA Cup three times in the past four years.”