Arsene Wenger has admitted to feeling 'a little bit lost' following Arsenal's defeats in all three cup competitions.
The Gunners' draw against PSV Eindhoven last week proved insufficient to progress in the UEFA Champions League and it means Wenger's team have exited three cup competitions in the space of a fortnight.
Wenger is desperate to lift his side for Wednesday's Premiership match against Aston Villa and hopefully close the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea but the Frenchman admits the recent loss of form has come as a shock.
"Recently we've hit the wall a little bit," said Wenger.
"Not spectacularly but enough that we are not able to push on like on Wednesday night [against PSV].
"On Wednesday we looked for something special but it didn't come because at the moment it is not in the team.
"It's the first time it has happened and I'm a little bit lost at the moment.
"I'm always planning for the next game but at the moment it is a shock to the system as a club because it's the first time, but I am very busy planning for the Premier League.
"After such a disappointment it's difficult to pick yourself up again, but on the other hand I know how proud they are and how much they want to show that they have quality and finish as close as possible to Manchester United and Chelsea."
Injuries have severely hampered Arsenal's quest, with Thierry Henry recently sidelined for the rest of the season.
"We could have Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte back [against Villa] and Tomas Rosicky will be a little bit short," he added.
"But we lose Gael Clichy, who is suspended and injured, and we lose Kolo [Toure], [Emmanuel] Adebayor and [Emmanuel] Eboue who are suspended again.
"We also miss Thierry, Robin van Persie...the list is so long I must take care not to forget anyone."
allentyb
Arsenal is really jinx in champion league
BrUtUs
suay lo + he make wrong moves... he should jz let the kids play FA Cup too instead use all the man power on it... all concentration should be on UCL now all he got is epl...