Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he had to do a double take at the FA Cup results yesterday to check that both Chelsea and Manchester City had really gone out.
The Premier League's first and second sides, respectively, went down to defeats to Bradford and Middlesbrough, both losses suffered on home turf, crashing out of the FA Cup.
Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur were also dumped out of the competition, losing at home to Leicester City.
Wenger's men came through their own test today, running out 3-2 winners away at Championship side Brighton, although not without their fair share of scares, with the Seagulls pushing for an equaliser at the death.
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But Arsenal were though and are now amongst the favourites to win the cup they picked up last season, with Wenger admitting he was shocked at the big name exits yesterday.
"[The results yesterday were] a huge surprise", he told beIN Sport.
"You check twice to see if it is true or not because you don't believe it, but that is the cup and why people love football; it is only in our sport that lower division teams can beat those of the higher divisions."
Wenger also took time to praise his side for their mentality and strength in their 3-2 win at Brighton.
"We started very strongly and played at a good pace with quick combinations and won the ball back quickly.
"Overall that helped us to win the game. We were still in control at 3-1, but at 3-2 of course then they had more belief. It shows you how difficult it is psychologically in the cups.
"You think you have done enough to win but no, because the other team does not give up, which is what happened today."
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