Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he felt sad after seeing his side’s two-year reign as FA Cup holders end. Picture: DAVID CANNON © GETTY IMAGES

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LONDON — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he felt sad after seeing his side’s two-year reign as FA Cup holders ended by a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Watford on Sunday.

And in Sunday’s late quarter-final, Manchester United were saved by a late Anthony Martial equaliser in a 1-1 draw against West Ham at Old Trafford.

Martial scored seven minutes from time to set up a replay between United and West Ham at Upton Park for a place in the FA Cup semifinals.

Dimitri Payet’s stunning curled free-kick from 25 yards put the visitors ahead, clipping the post on its way in.

United took 57 minutes to register a shot on target and struggled to break down West Ham’s defence after the goal.

But with the clock running down Frenchman Martial struck, turning in at the back post after a high cross.

With injury time looming, the Hammers almost won it, Michail Antonio only denied by a brilliant fingertip save from United keeper David de Gea.

FA Cup winners in 2014 and 2015, Arsenal were bidding to become the first team to win the competition for three consecutive years since Blackburn Rovers between 1884 and 1886.

But their hopes of a record-extending 13th FA Cup triumph were shattered at the Emirates Stadium, as Watford prevailed courtesy of second-half goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura.

"Our fantastic run has come to an end on a day where we felt that our performance deserved a win," said Wenger, whose side replied through substitute Danny Welbeck in the 88th minute.

"Credit to Watford, they created few chances, but took them all. It’s sad because we gave everything."

With Arsenal eight points off the pace in the Premier League and 2-0 down to Barcelona ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 return leg, their chances of silverware are fading fast.

But Wenger said that all hope was not lost ahead of the mid-week trip to Camp Nou.

"It is very difficult against Barcelona, but we have to see it as a challenge and try to make the impossible possible," said the Frenchman.

Watford join Crystal Palace, Everton and either Manchester United or West Ham United in the semifinals, which will be played at Wembley next month.

"I have memories on television of the old Wembley Stadium and watching in Spain and seeing the finals of this competition," said Watford’s Spanish manager Quique Sanchez Flores.

"Now it is a new Wembley. I’ve just arrived in England and to get there is exciting. I’m really happy for the fans and they deserve this kind of day."

On Saturday, Everton beat Chelsea 2-0, with striker Romelu Lukaku scoring two late goals to down his former club, while Crystal Palace advanced to the semifinal when they beat Reading 2-0 on Friday night.

AFP