Nottingham Forest dumped the holders of the FA Cup out of the competition in a breathless game that included a goal for the ages, two penalties and a red card
Every dog has his day and Nottingham Forest bounded to a magnificent FA Cup upset as they knocked out holders Arsenal in a raucous, rumbustious tie that left Arsene Wenger licking his wounds in embarrassment.
It was the first time that Wenger, in his 22 years as Arsenal manager, has lost in the third round of this competition, a competition that has saved him in recent seasons as he has won it three times in the past four campaigns. But not this year.
Wenger sat helpless in the directors box – serving the first game of a three-match ban imposed for his recent refereeing comments – as his team capitulated.
That team was much-changed, nine in all from the last Premier League match, but it was full of internationals and highly-paid operators including Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck and captain Per Mertesacker. They were over-run and outdone.
There was also even what would have been one of the most bizarre little FA Cup tales – or tails – of all with Eric Lichaj later revealing that had he added a third goal to the two he scored then his wife would have bought him a dog.
“My wife told me that if I score a hat-trick at any point this year then I get a dog, so I was trying to get the penalty,” the American full-back said.
Arsene Wenger candidly admitted that Arsenal “were not good enough anywhere” and “paid for it” as the holders crashed out of the FA Cup to a struggling Nottingham Forest side who are 14th in the Championship.
There was controversy, once more, with the Arsenal players claiming there had been a ‘double-touch’ on Forest’s second penalty which made it 4-2 – and it therefore should have been disallowed – but Wenger said he had already had his say on referees.
The Arsenal manager was made to sit in the directors box at the City Ground for the first of a three-match ban imposed after his recent comments on referee Mike Dean.
“I said what I had to say many times and will not talk about the referees,” Wenger, who has been highly critical of officials and has already been asked to explain further comments made after this week’s 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea. “I’ve talked about that and that’s what I think. Nothing to add,” he said.
Of the penalty, Wenger explained: “I saw the players complained but I didn’t see it. Honestly. They said they’re 100 per cent certain he double touched.”
Holders Arsenal were sent crashing out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forest.
An enthralling, action-packed clash at the City Ground saw the Gunners lose in the third round for the first time under Arsene Wenger, as England's longest-serving manager was out-witted by Forest caretaker boss Gary Brazil.
American full-back Eric Lichaj opened the scoring before Gunners skipper Per Mertesacker levelled.
Lichaj deservedly re-established Forest's lead before the break when he fired in a stunning volley to give the home fans hope of an upset as they got stuck into their half-time Bovrils.
(Image: Shaun Botterill)
(Image: Getty)
Impressive teenager Ben Brereton netted a penalty to put the hosts 3-1 up before a Danny Welbeck shot trickled in.
(Image: Laurence Griffiths)
But a controversial spot kick from Kieran Dowell - who appeared to kick the ball twice as he slipped taking the penalty - sealed a 4-2 win and a famous upset for the hosts.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Wenger - who has lifted the trophy seven time - was forced to watch the action unfold from the stands as he began a three-match touchline ban, as he lived to regret making nine changes from the side that took on Chelsea midweek.
(Image: AFP)
Recap all of the action as it happened below...
