‘Hurting’ Mikel Arteta questions Arsenal’s ‘desire’ and ‘hunger’ after shock FA Cup exit to Nottingham Forest – ‘We were not at our level’

Mikel Arteta admitted he was 'hurting' after Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup as he criticised his players' 'desire' and 'hunger' following their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Lewis Grabban's late winner saw Forest seal their second third round victory over the Gunners in three years, with the Championship side repeating their feat from 2018.

4

The 14-time winners suffered an early exit without managing a shot on target at the City Ground on Sunday.

It was a lacklustre display and one hugely unlike the rejuvenated side we have seen in recent times, and Arteta insisted he expected better.

"We needed more drive, more hunger to win at any cost in every single action, much more. We were not at our level," he said.

"I'm really disappointed with the performance, first of all. Not with the attitude but how much purpose we have and what determination we showed to change the game when it's difficult to play against and the way they play.

4

"I have played in games like that for the last 18 years and I know how complicated it is to come here and it's no surprise the difficulties you are going to face. But when we do that, we have to face it in a different way.

"It is really hurting. It is a competition that is very related to our history and to get out of it is a big bump."

Aside from a five-minute spell in the second half it was an instantly forgettable game until Grabban struck with seven minutes left.

The first half's only moment of note was Nuno Tavares being hauled off for Kieran Tierney after 34 sloppy minutes and tossing his gloves away.

Philip Zinckernagel forced Bernd Leno into an early second-half save and the goalkeeper was equal to James Garner's 30-yard free-kick.

4

In between, Eddie Nketiah wasted Arsenal's best - and only - chance when he completely miscued a free header at the far post.

It was to prove costly as Grabban climbed off the bench to score his 11th goal of the season.

Albert Lokonga lost the ball in midfield and Ryan Yates scampered down the right to deliver a perfect cross for a stretching Grabban to convert from six yards.

Forest boss Steve Cooper took over in September when Forest were bottom of the Championship and they are now ninth and six points adrift of the play-off places.

4

They now host holders and East Midlands rivals Leicester in the fourth round, yet the former Swansea manager bristled at suggestions he had turned the club around.

He said: "I don't like it when people say it because how can you say we've turned it round? This club has a lot of work to do and a lot of progress to be made. We are going OK but let's not get too ahead of ourselves.

"The players have to believe they belong at this club and can be successful. We all want it and we have a lot of work to do in so many areas of the club but moments like this will only add to the belief.

"There will be some bumps in the road, setbacks, losses, poor performances - that's just the nature of it.

"It's part of the journey and becoming the team we want to be.

"I did feel comfortable. Someone asked me if it must have been a long seven minutes after we scored. I've had longer seven minutes. I mean no disrespect, the players were really engaged with what it took to win."

Get The EDGE

talkSPORT EDGE is the free football app that keeps you one step ahead of your mates with short, sharp and shareable content.

Stay up to date with everything going on in the football world with breaking news, live scores and in-app betting.

How can I get it?

It’s available on iPhone and Android devices.

For iPhone, download talkSPORT EDGE via the 

For Android, download talkSPORT EDGE via the