Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who showed how serious he was taking his side’s seven-and-a-half-year trophy drought by abandoning his normal policy of playing his reserves, stood by his players at the end.

“Congratulations to Bradford, they had a good start and after that they defended well,” he said.

“Overall we had many chances. The keeper had a great game and we couldn’t convert our chances.”

“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 was a typical English cup game on a difficult pitch. Overall, we lost on penalties but I cannot fault the effort.

“We missed three penalties and that’s a lot to take. Bradford defended very well in their own half and the pitch was a bit slippery.

“There was no space and when you miss the first penalty it’s difficult.

“I don’t think there’s any psychological problem and I feel we gave a lot.

“We played with a very offensive team, five strikers basically, but couldn’t score.

“Honestly you have to say Bradford defended very, very well.

“I know people will say it’s a fourth division team but it’s a cup game. They gave everything tonight.

“It’s not a lack of quality. We couldn’t convert our chances for different reasons. Overall it was a real cup game.”

When probed on the magnitude of the Gunners losing to a League Two side, Wenger added: "When you go out it’s never good enough at Arsenal.”

When asked if it was a humiliating loss, he said: “I think we lost on penalties to a team who defended well.”

He concluded by saying: “We will get over that. It’s part of our club, it’s what we do.”