Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stood by his players after their humiliating defeat on penalties by Bradford City in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals.
The home side took the lead when Garry Thompson volleyed in but Thomas Vermaelen headed in two minutes from time to send the match into extra-time and penalties.
Bradford twice failed from the spot but Santi Cazorla, Marouane Chamakh and Vermaelen were equally culpable to hand the League Two side a 3-2 success on penalties and a place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
"Congratulations to Bradford, they had a good start and after that they defended well," Wenger said.
"Overall we had many chances. The keeper had a great game and we couldn't convert our chances.
"When you go out it's never good enough at Arsenal. I think we lost on penalties to a team who defended well.
"I cannot fault the effort we gave for 120 minutes. You have to give credit to Bradford on the night. That's part of the game.
"It's not a lack of quality. We couldn't convert our chances for different reasons. Overall it was a real cup game.
"We will get over that. It's part of our club, it's what we do."
Update:
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what do you think?
michael porter
Getting the sack now Mr Wenger???
t.bulgin
Will someone please get this man a proper jacket.
michael hughes
Into who`s pockets has the transfer money for Van Persie, Nasri & Fabregas gone. Maybe if Wenger had it at his disposal, the gooners wouldn`t lose to a 3rd division team and be making a better show in the Prem.
Paul Gilbert
4TH DIVISION
Rob Shaw
Stand by Arsenal all you want, it's wether Arsenal will stand by you. It's your fault, not the squad
dillyhilly
9:40am on 12/12/2012
"it is what we do" wot lose a lot?