Watford end Arsenal’s reign
Gunners’ bid to win FA Cup for third consecutive year is over after 1-2 defeat in quarters
LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that he felt “sad” after seeing his side’s two-year reign as FA Cup holders ended by a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Watford on Sunday.
FA Cup winners in 2014 and 2015, Arsenal were bidding to become the first team to win the competition for three consecutive years since Blackburn Rovers between 1884 and 1886.
But their hopes of a recordextending 13th FA Cup triumph were shattered at the Emirates Stadium as Watford prevailed courtesy of second- half goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura.
“Our fantastic run has come to an end on a day where we felt that our performance deserved a win,” said Wenger, whose side replied through substitute Danny Welbeck in the 88th minute.
“Credit to Watford, they created few chances, but took them all. It’s sad because we gave everything.”
With Arsenal eight points off the pace in the Premier League and 2-0 down to Barcelona ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 return leg, their chances of silverware are fading fast.
But Wenger said that all hope was not lost ahead of the mid-week trip to Camp Nou.
“It is very difficult against Barcelona, but we have to see it as a challenge and try to make the impossible possible,” said the Frenchman.
CHELSEA GO DOWN
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku scored two superb goals to give Everton a 2-0 victory on Saturday over his former club Chelsea.
As a fractious match neared its conclusion, Lukaku took a Tom Cleverley pass in his stride after 77 minutes and powered past four defenders before burying an unstoppable shot into the back of the visitors’ goal.
Just five minutes later, after neat passes from Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley, it was left to Lukaku to deliver the killer blow that earned Everton a place in the semifinals.
Defeat brought an end to a miserable week for Chelsea, who were eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.