NIGHTMARE TO REMEMBER...

Another late goal,and the end of another Cup dream.Three days after Didier Drogba's header denied our Arsenal in the Carling Cup Final,a thunderous strike from Benni McCarthy has dumped us out of the FA Cup.The Blackburn striker,on as a substitute,cut inside helpless Philippe Senderos and gave Manuel Almunia no chance with four minutes remaining. It was nightmare on Arsenal,who created the better chances but once again could not find a way past Brad Friedel.The American keeper denied Arsène Wenger's side in the 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium 11 days earlier and was at it again on his own patch. Julio Baptista saw two long-range efforts tipped aside but was also guilty of missing a free header.Meanwhile,Freddie Ljungberg had a convincing penalty appeal turned down by you know.....GRAHAM POLL.Rovers rode their luck but McCarthy's late effort condemned Arsenal to their third straight defeat.Their one realistic chance of silverware this season now lies in the Champions League.Reading are next up but all eyes will soon turn to next Wednesday's return leg with PSV Eindhoven.A raft of injuries and suspensions left Wenger few options when he sat down to pick his team for this tricky North-West trip.Thierry Henry(foot),Tomas Rosicky(groin),Abou Diaby(foot),Justin Hoyte(hamstring),Johan Djourou(ankle),Mathieu Flamini(foot) and Robin van Persie(foot) were all ruled out.Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure started three-game suspensions after their red cards in Cardiff. And Cesc Fabregas was rested after a punishing schedule.It wasn't all bad news.Emmanuel Eboue was available for selection as his post-Cardiff hearing has not yet taken place.Meanwhile Gilberto, William Gallas, Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb returned to add experience to an otherwise youthful Arsenal side.Better luck this time Gunners!!