Arsenal: Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes brands Gunners a 'small team'

Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes has branded Arsenal a "small team" following their defeat against Watford in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup. The Hornets scored two goals in the second half, which saw the Gunners crash out of the tournament after having won the Cup two years in succession.

The loss ended their 14-game unbeaten streak in the Cup, spanning over two years and Gomes rubbed salt on the Gunners' wounds, stating that they are still a long way away from competing for top honours. The goalkeeper was on the bench at the Emirates, with Costel Pantilimon getting the nod ahead in the Cup. The former Manchester City man kept the Gunners at bay for most of the game but was finally breached in the last few minutes courtesy a well taken goal by Danny Welbeck.

The game could have been taken to a replay only seconds later after Welbeck missed a glorious opportunity with the goal gaping as the Gunners extended their woeful run to only a win in their last seven outings in all competitions. The north London club now travel to the Nuo Camp to take on Barcelona where they are already trailing courtesy of two away goals at the Emirates by Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Leicester City's win against Newcastle on Monday night meant that the Foxes have taken an 11-point lead over the north London club, albeit having played a game more.

"It is the best time to play Arsenal and we came to the match very confident," Gomes told ESPN, as quoted by the Guardian. "When you see Arsenal playing against big teams, they look like a small team. They don't look like winning a title soon.

"We knew once we had the ball we'd be able to pass it around since Arsenal gives you too much space. They are not strong defensively."