Arteta issues rallying cry to his Arsenal FC side after FA Cup loss.

The Gunners lost their third-round FA Cup clash to Championship side Nottingham Forest, who beat them 4-2 at the same stage in 2018.

Arteta’s Guners were knocked out of in the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on Sunday evening. (Sky Sports Screen Shot)

Arteta refused to give any excuse for Arsenal’s below par performance on Sunday evening.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta apologised for his side's showing after they were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on Sunday and has asked the Gunners to show more drive and hunger going forward.

The north London club were in fine form heading into the game against the Championship club, but Lewis Grabban finished off Ryan Yates' cross seven minutes from time as they sent the home crowd into ecstasy.

The home fans went wild after Lewis Grabban’s goal

Arteta made several changes to his team, with England international Bukayo Saka, Norway playmaker Martin Odegaard and in-form Gabriel Martinelli all starting the match against Nottingham Forest, who had not lost an home tie in six years, and were quite physical from the get go.

"We were not good enough and we have to apologise for it," said the manager of 14-time winners.

"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.

Lewis Grabban celebrates after goal against Nottingham Forest

"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. It is a competition that is very related to our history and to get out of it is a big bump."

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