We got what we deserved.
A few years back I was back in Hooters by half time as Arsenal went out of the FA Cup at the 3rd round stage for the first time under Arsene Wenger.
We lost 4-2 that day and whilst Sunday was just a single goal defeat, the performance was just as bad.
Despite having a fairly strong team out, we did not look at the races from the opening minutes. The intensity was levels below that which we saw against Manchester City last weekend.
Nuno Tavares was the first full guy, hauled off by Mikel Arteta after just 34 minutes.
The Portuguese full back could have few complaints about being taken off. Others will deem themselves lucky that they remained on.
Arsenal were being over run in midfield.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino looked like deers in headlights.
With just 14 passes in the first half, the game passes young Patino by. He probably should have been taken off at half time.
Arsenal going out of the cup was kit his fault, but playing out of position in a midfield 2 he looked out of his depth.
Eddie Nketiah is another who could count himself lucky to come out for the 2nd half. I am shocked he completed 90 minutes.
Following the performance against Forest, I doubt too many Premier League sides will be looking to sign him in January in the hope he scores the goals to them up the league.
Martin Odergaard was the only one that seemed to be giving his all. Always looking for the all. Trying to drive the team forward.
But too often he struggled to find Bukayo Saka or Gabriel. Neither were doing enough create space for themselves
Rob Holding and Ben White did little wrong in defence. But too often when on the ball they looked up and had no one in front of them showing for the ball. That led them to trying to hit Nketiah or the wingers too early, too long.
Having let Ainsley Maitland-Niles leave, we need to invest quickly in the midfield.
In summary, we got what we deserved.Out of the FA Cup at the 3rd round stage again to Nottingham Forest.
Just realised I didn’t even mention that we failed to have a single shot on target.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 