FA Cup: Arsenal are one of the favourites, says Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Gunners are one of the favourites to win the FA Cup after a weekend of shock exits by fellow Premier League giants.

The defending champions held on for a 3-2 win over Brighton, a day after both Chelsea and Manchester City fell to lower-league opposition.

"We'll be one of the favourites with the other top-flight sides," he said. "But I can't predict if we'll win.

"We have a good experience from last year. We want to retain our cup."

Wenger added that the surprise results - which also removed Tottenham and third-placed Southampton from Monday's fifth-round draw - sparked Arsenal's impressive start at the Amex Stadium.

Winger Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the lead in the second minute before German World Cup winner Mesut Ozil doubled the advantage.

The Championship strugglers pulled one back through Chris O'Grady before Tomas Rosicky restored the two-goal advantage. Sam Baldock's strike 15 minutes from time then set up a thrilling climax on the south coast.

"It was hard work," added the French manager, who has won the trophy five times since he took over the north London club in 1996.

"It was a typical cup tie where the other team never gives up. We had to fight until the end but we were always leading and missed a few chances as well.

"I believe that we won the game at the start. The results from yesterday maybe got us on our toes and we got off to a quick pace, and I think that surprised Brighton."