LEWIS GRABBAN has fired Nottingham Forest to an FA Cup WIN over woeful Arsenal.
Nuno Tavares was so bad that Mikel Arteta hauled him off BEFORE half time as the full-back was replaced by Kieran Tierney.
It was a repeat of the 2018 third round, where Arsene Wenger’s Gunners were beaten at the City Ground.
The FA Cup fourth round draw took place before kick-off with Forest set to face Leicester City at home.
Arsenal were wearing an all-white kit to raise awareness of knife crime, particularly in London, an initiative supported by Ian Wright and Idris Elba.
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That’s all from The City Ground
Arsenal were punished today by a very well-organised Nottingham Forest side.
Steve Cooper has really made his mark since he joined the club last year and continues to impress.
Mikel Arteta’s team will have to dramatically turn things around if they want to stand a chance against Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday.
Falling to the Forest
This is only the second time in 26 seasons that Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round.
The first time was also against Nottingham Forest, and at The City Ground.
Forest face the Foxes
Following today’s result, Nottingham Forest will now host current FA Cup holders Leicester City in the fourth round.
The game will take place at The City ground in the opening weekend of February.
Mikel Arteta reacts
“We weren’t good enough on the day and we’re out of the competition which is disappointing so we can just apologise.”
“When you have nine players out, that is our biggest explanation.”
“Today showed that we weren’t capable to win the game against Nottingham Forest in the cup away from home.”
Credit: AFP Steve Cooper reacts
“We had a clear game plan but I would’ve liked us to have had a little bit more of the ball.”
“I felt maybe we should have scored earlier on in the second half.”
“We work together in how we manage him [Grabban] because we want the best for him.”
“That [game vs Leicester] will be one that we look forward to.”
“It is a real responsibility and honour to be here. We want to do our best and not let anybody down.”
Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images Lewis Grabban reacts
“We did well throughout the game, I think we deserved it.”
“Everytime you step on the pitch you’ve got a point to prove so I just try and do what I do.”
“It’s always hard when you’re coming up against Arsenal.”
Credit: PA Full Time – Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will undoubtedly be disappointed with that result.
Sloppy play and a lack of tempo ultimately made them second best.
They didn’t even get a shot on target.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
Nottingham Forest pull off a huge upset to knock out the most successful club in FA Cup history!
A deserved win for Steve Cooper’s side, who did brilliantly to keep the Gunners at bay.
90+2. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
The white shirts are piling forward now.
Just over one minute to go…
90. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal are about to make a change.
Kolasinac comes on to replace Cedric.
An interesting decision from Arteta as Arsenal only have a few minutes left to clinch a goal.
84. Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal
Lokonga loses the ball in midfield and Forest instantly capitalise on the mistake.
Yates drives down the right before sending the ball to super-sub Grabban who taps it past Leno and into the goal.
Credit: AFP 83. GOAAAAALLLLLLLL FOREST!!!!!
Grabban breaks the deadlock!
79. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal come close to taking the lead as the ball is sent through to Saka.
He ponders on it before squaring it to Lacazette, but the ball goes through his legs.
Just over 10 minutes left, this game could go either way.
75. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Another substitution for Nottingham Forest.
Zinckernagel makes way for Cafu.
74. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal look like a completely different side compared to last week’s fixture against Manchester City.
They have been sloppy to say the least and have really lacked tempo.
Forest look like they could snatch the win here.
70. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal make another substitution.
Lacazette comes on to replace Patino.
69. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Nketiah gets another chance at goal as he drives into the box, but his final attempt is sent over the bar.
Not his day.
68. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Forest make a substitution.
Grabban comes on to replace Davis.
62. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Garner lines up a free kick from 25 yards out and rifles the ball towards goal.
It looks like it’ll end up in the top left corner but Leno reaches across to make an excellent save.
What a strike! What a save!
58. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Wow.
Saka sends an excellent ball over the top of the Forest defence and through to Nkietiah next to the goal.
The striker is left on his own but somehow completely misplaces the header and Samba clears.
The home fans have found it rather amusing to say the least.
Credit: Getty 57. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have a corner.
Patino strikes from distance but a deflection sends the ball behind.
53. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
We have our first shot on target!
Forest have the best chance of the game so far as Johnson outruns Holding down the right before sending a low cross to Zinckernagel.
The winger strikes first time but it is brilliantly saved by Leno.
Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images 49. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Nketiah makes an impressive run towards goal, but his strike is cut out by the Forest defence and claimed by Samba.
Still no shot on target.
Still 0-0.
47. Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
The home side break forward as Spence skips past Patino and Tierney.
He strikes, but his effort flies over the bar.
A positive start from Forest.
Kick Off – Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
We’re underway for the second half.
A big performance is needed from both sides.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
