Arsenal knocked out
West Bridgford : Arsene Wenger lost an FA Cup third-round tie for the first time as holders Arsenal crashed out against Nottingham Forest in an action-packed clash at the City Ground.
Wenger has become the competition’s most successful manager, winning it seven times since taking charge of the Gunners in 1996, but the country’s longest-serving boss was undone by Forest caretaker manger Gary Brazil on Sunday.
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 the Championship side.
Wenger’s influence on matters was reduced as he watched from the stands. The Frenchman served the first of a three-match touchline ban after being hit with a misconduct charge and a £40,000 fine by the Football Association for his recent, and very public, criticism of referees.
He made nine changes from the team that started the midweek Premier League draw with Chelsea, with just Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles keeping their places in the team, and Wenger saw his side lack fluency early on as Forest started well.
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