Arsene Wenger not embarrassed by FA Cup defeat

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his team should not be embarrassed by their Capital One Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of League Two side Bradford. The Gunners lost 3-2 on penalties after scoring a late equaliser in normal time at Coral Windows Stadium. "We did absolutely everything for 120 minutes and you have to give credit to Bradford," said Wenger."You feel embarrassed when you don't give everything, I think they'll be more disappointed and frustrated." Wenger selected a regular strong side for Tuesday's cup tie but the Gunners were unable to brush aside the less heralded opposition and needed an 88th-minute equalising goal from Thomas Vermaelen to send the game to extra-time after Garry Thompson had given the home side the lead in the first half. Arsenal have won just one of their last six games in all competitions but boss Arsene Wenger refuses to criticise his players: "It was a great cup tie on a tough pitch and I cannot fault the effort from my players," said Wenger. "It was a typical English cup tie and Bradford got on top of us. They started stronger than us and congratulations to them. We played with basically five strikers but couldn't score. You have to say they defended very, very well. In a cup tie any team always has a chance. I don't think there's any psychological problem with the players when it comes to knockout ties. I don't think it's a lack of quality. We will get over this - it is part of our job - and focus on the next game." Arsenal's next match is at Reading in the Premier League before another away match against Wigan. They then face West Ham and Newcastle in home league matches either side of Christmas Day. Bradford manager Phil Parkinson was delighted with his side's victory, which earned them a place in the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history. "It's a great night for the club. We said before the game that we wanted to show a wide audience that we are a good side," said Parkinson. "Arsene said he was going to bring a strong team but we were still surprised by just how strong it was. He knew we were a good side. Matt Duke pulled off some crucial saves in what was a difficult night for goalkeepers but the defenders protected him terrifically." Bradford City have now won their last nine penalty shoot-outs but Parkinson was keen to stress his side were just as good as Arsenal during the 120 minutes of play. "I don't want this to be about us winning on penalties, this is about us winning the game," said Parkinson. "We were three minutes from doing it in 90 minutes and the whole team were magnificent for the full 120." The draw for the semi-finals takes place straight after the Leeds v Chelsea quarter-final on Wednesday, 19 December. Along with Bradford, Aston Villa are already in the draw, with Swansea taking on Middlesbrough in the other quarter-final. Chelsea are the favourites to win the Capital One this season according to Bet365, they have odds of 4/5, while Bradford City are priced at 20/1.