Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refused to criticise his players after their FA Cup elimination by Sunderland.
The Frenchman also argued his side should have had a penalty in the first half when Robin van Persie tangled with John O'Shea but referee Howard Webb was unmoved.
"We had three away games in one week and I believe it was a very unfortunate schedule to play away in the Champions League and immediately away again. They were very difficult pitches as well but we fought hard today.
"I felt we were a bit unlucky, it was 100% a penalty for us that Mr Webb missed and their first shot on goal was a goal. Then we had to chase the game and take every gamble and we were caught on the counter for the second.
"We had a lot of possession, didn't create a lot down to fantastic defending from Sunderland, but they left us the ball and ran after it." Wenger said: "I think it was a committed performance and we gave absolutely everything that was left in our legs.
