By PHIL THOMAS
ARSENE WENGER was clinging on to his job by his fingernails last night after the most humiliating defeat of a 16-year reign.
The Arsenal manager saw his millionaires crash out on penalties to League Two Bradford in the Capital One Cup.
Incredibly, Wenger defended his side after skipper Thomas Vermaelen missed the last spot-kick.
He said: “I cannot fault the effort of my team. It was a difficult and slippery pitch that we had to contend with. We gave a lot to this game.”
Keeper Matt Duke was the home hero, saving Santi Cazorla’s penalty before Marouane Chamakh and Vermaelen hit the post.
Wenger fielded a near full-strength team worth £66.8million and they were shown up by an outfit that cost absolutely NOTHING.
It was the first time the Gunners have been knocked out of this competition by a fourth-tier team.
And it means their quest for silverware continues after a seven-year wait.
Garry Thompson gave Bradford a deserved lead in this quarter-final on 16 minutes.
Arsenal’s leveller came after 88 minutes when Vermaelen nodded in from five yards.
After losing 3-2 on penalties, Wenger said: “Of course, it’s never good enough when you go out in these circumstances.
“Disappointed as I am with this loss, you have to give a tremendous amount of credit to Bradford. They started stronger than us but then they defended well.”
The embarrassing defeat comes alongside a stuttering Premier League campaign for Wenger’s men.
Bradford are now into the draw for a two-legged semi-final.
Keeper Duke said: “We are so happy — it’s just fantastic.”
