The Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has labelled Arsenal a ‘small team’ after his side’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The former Tottenham goalkeeper’s comments come in the wake of Arsenal’s third consecutive defeat at home which prompted further criticism of Arsène Wenger, who described the events unfolding at the club as ‘a farce’.

With Arsenal now turning their attentions to attempting to overcome a 2-0 deficit in their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona on Wednesday, Gomes, an unused substitute on Sunday, told ESPN Brasil: “It is the best time to play Arsenal and we came to the match very confident.

“When you see Arsenal playing against big teams, they look like a small team. They don’t look like winning a title soon.

“We knew once we had the ball we’d be able to pass it around since Arsenal gives you too much space. They are not strong defensively.”

Arsenal currently sit third in the Premier League table, eight points behind Leicester City, who host Newcastle United on Monday, and six behind Tottenham, who have played a game more.