London: Holders Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup to second-tier Nottingham Forest and Newport County stunned former winners Leeds United as the FA Cup third round burst into life, Sunday night.
Arsenal suffered a 4-2 defeat at the City Ground where American Eric Lichaj scored twice for the second-tier side who sacked manager Mark Warburton a week ago. Thirteen-time FA Cup winners Arsenal paid dearly for fielding a weakened side as they lost in the third round for the first time in manager Arsene Wenger’s two-decade reign.
Until then fourth-tier Newport County had staked a claim for the biggest upset of the weekend with a 2-1 win over Leeds – substitute Shawn McCoulsky heading a last-minute winner the day after his 21st birthday.
Eight-time winners Tottenham Hotspur had no trouble at home to third-tier AFC Wimbledon as Harry Kane struck twice in two minutes in the second half of a 3-0 home win. He thus took his tally to 27 goals in all competitions for the season.
Arsenal made nine changes to the side that drew impressively Wednesday with Chelsea, although they still started heavy favourites against a Forest side featuring seven under-23s.
Lichaj gave Forest the lead and although Per Mertesacker levelled for the visitors, Lichaj scored a stunning volley to put Forest back ahead just before half time. Penalties by Ben Brereton and Kieran Dowell sealed victory for caretaker boss Gary Brazil’s side, even if Dowell’s strike caused controversy because it appeared he had made double contact with the ball. Danny Welbeck had pulled Arsenal back to 2-3.
Wenger, who watched from the stands because of a three-match touchline ban, refused to blame his team selection. “We played a very good Forest team who were sharp and focused. When you don’t win the selection is always questioned,” stated Wenger.
Reuters