Arsene Wenger claimed Arsenal were ‘unlucky’ to lose 4-2 in the third round of the FA Cup at Nottingham Forest.
The Frenchman had never been defeated in the third round of the competition, but Gary Brazil’s spirited side swept away the north London giants at the City Ground.
Eric Lichaj, who scored a brace, and young forward Ben Brereton were Forest’s heroes on Sunday afternoon and Wenger admits the opposition were ‘sharper’.
Speaking to BT Sport after the defeat, Wenger said: ‘I believe that overall we played against a Nottingham Forest team that were sharp.
They were more dangerous and it became difficult. We were unlucky but overall they were sharper. They were more dominant and we lost too many challenges.’
Wenger admitted it was ‘frustrating’ watching the game from the stands after being handed a touchline suspension.
He said: ‘It was very frustrating and unfortunately it was a case on top of that of seeing the team lose.
‘We played a very good Forest team who were sharp and focused. The challenges were decisive. Overall our performance wasn’t good enough.
‘We have many players on the edge and we play again on Wednesday. When you don’t win the selection is always questioned. I believe we had an experienced team – eight or nine internationals. It would be easy to think that was the problem.
‘When you’re against a team like that they’re very difficult to beat. Defensively you cannot afford the mistakes we made.’
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