LONDON: Nottingham Forest sprang an FA Cup third round surprise by defeating Arsenal 1-0 with an 83rd-minute goal from veteran striker Lewis Grabban.

Arsenal, record 14-time winners, suffered a repeat defeat after their 4-2 beating Forest four years ago helping bring an end to Arsene Wenger’s managerial reign.

The Gunners struggled to prise open a well-organised Forest defence. Eddie Nketiah missed their best chance.

Forest were more efficient in attack, even if they failed to test Bernd Leno, and Arteta’s concern was clear when he hauled off Nuno Tavares after only 34 minutes.

The defender, replaced by Kieran Tierney, endured a sloppy half during which a wild back pass almost caught Leno out.

His frustrations were obvious, throwing his gloves to the ground without even glancing at his manager.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: We were not good enough and we have to apologise for it.

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

“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 the way they play.

“I have played in games like that for the past 18 years and I know how complicated it is to come here. 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.”

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