A 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night was completely deserved, and Arsène Wenger knows it.

The Arsenal boss changed eight players from the weekend’s win over Everton, but the side wasn’t full of unproven youth. The defence was made up of household names, while third round hero Mathieu Flamini played in midfield.

That wasn’t enough, and the Gunners were sent packing after posing very little threat all evening.

“We were not at the level that is required to play a team like Sheffield Wednesday,” the manager said. “We had a lot of the ball but we didn’t create anything, especially in the middle of the park we couldn’t create anything.”

It’s true – Arsenal were toothless. Throughout the 90 minutes, the Gunners barely had an attempt on goal. An offensive midfield of Joel Campbell, Alex Iwobi and Ismael Bennacer couldn’t provide for Olivier Giroud, who was isolated up front.

At the other end, the hosts took their chances as Arsenal fell asleep defensively.

“We have to congratulate them; they were sharper and quicker.”

They were, but it’s not a great compliment. Arsenal looked blunt and slow in every area of the pitch all game. Younger players didn’t look ready and older ones didn’t take responsibility on Tuesday evening.

Well done to Sheffield Wednesday, but our own performance was fairly damning.