Arsene Wenger: FA Cup shocks were a wake-up call for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that the FA Cup shocks over the weekend provided a wake-up call to his side that ensured they did not suffer a similar fate as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 at The Amex.

Wenger said he 'could not believe' Saturday's cup results, where the Premier League's top two teams, Chelsea and Manchester City, suffered defeat at the hands of lower league opposition.

Reigning league champions City were knocked up by Championship opposition for the second year in a row as Middlesbrough ran out 2-0 winners at the Etihad.

In an even more shocking result, Jose Mourinho conceded four goals at Stamford Bridge for the first time as League One outfit Bradford City came from two goals down to triumph 4-2 winners.

Wenger said that these shock results served as a 'subconscious warning' to his Arsenal side against their away match with Brighton, and the Gunners were quick out of the blocks, with Theo Walcott scoring Arsenal's first goal after just 89 seconds.

Mesut Ozil then doubled Arsenal's when he slotted in from inside the area. Chris O'Grady pulled one back for the Seagulls, before Tomas Rosicky volleyed home Arsenal's third goal. Sam Baldock scored to reduce the deficit, but the Gunners held on to win 3-2.

Arsenal are no favourites to retain their FA Cup title, after they beat Hull City 3-2 in the final at Wembley last May.