Mikel Arteta admits he is 'hurting' after Arsenal crash out of FA Cup at Nottingham Forest
- Michael Graham
- 10 January 2022
Spaniard did not attempt to sugar-coat it as the Gunners crashed out to Championship opposition in the FA Cup.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that his side's shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Nottingham Forest was 'hurting.'
No club has won the FA Cup more than the Gunners and they have been in fine form in the Premier League of late.
However, they failed to produce a single shot on target against Championship side Forest and Arteta admitted he expects better of Arsenal players.
"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.
"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."
The result provides more evidence that Steve Cooper has made a signifficant impact at Forest since arriving in September, but he is keen to keep a lid on any growing hype.
Cooper 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."
