Rafa rues mistakes

Last updated : 08 January 2007 By Al Campbell
The holders were knocked out at the third round stage by Arsenal on Saturday and after the match Rafa Benitez was left to rue a couple of costly errors.

"It was a bad day for all our supporters and for us and we have to be disappointed because we made some mistakes which cost us," said the Spaniard.

"We controlled the game for the first 35 minutes but we then made two mistakes and we found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time. We then got back into the game but made another mistake but with us going forward and trying to get another goal that was always a risk.

"It was a close game but when you make a mistake you normally get punished. Xabi Alonso thought he could have had a penalty but I haven't seen the replay again and you can't change these things now. I don't think he should have been given a yellow card though."