Arsenal’s season is now teetering on the brink with the Gunners losing to a far hungrier Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground.
Arsene Wenger’s men fell behind early on when Eric Lichaj’s header flew past David Ospina.
Arsenal restored parity through club captain Per Mertesacker, who levelled in the 23rd minute.
Forest, however, recovered and kept their focus by taking the lead again just before half-time.
Lichaj was the hero again, producing a stunning volley that looped over Ospina and into the net.
The home side then opened up a two-goal lead in the 64th minute.
Ben Brereton kept his calm to score from the penalty spot, sending Ospina the wrong way.
Arsenal were given hope late on when Danny Welbeck halved the deficit.
But Forest scored another penalty – albeit in controversial circumstances.
Jon Moss gave the spotkick after a foul by Mathieu Debuchy in the box.
Kieran Dowell slipped as he stepped up and Arsenal players were sure he had taken two touches for the penalty.
Yet, though Arsenal players swarmed around Moss, the goal stood.
Forest star Joe Warrall was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Welbeck late on.
However, the day belonged to the home side, who will now be in the pot for tomorrow’s fourth round draw.
