Arsene Wenger has sympathy for Brian McDermott

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he can relate to how Brian McDermott feels after an incredible turnaround at the Madjeski Stadium.

Wenger watched his side fall 4-0 behind after just 38 minutes against Reading before a magnificent comeback led to a 7-5 result in the Gunners' favour.

Theo Walcott inspired the away side, scoring a hat-trick including a stoppage-time equaliser to take the match into extra time in a League Cup classic.

The Gunners boss said that he thinks McDermott should be proud of his team's performance and not dwell on the negatives.

He told reporters: "[Reading] had a fantastic first half. I know what it is to be pulled back when you're 4-0 up.

"It's happened to me as well. They should take credit from that performance and not be too disappointed.

Newcastle United infamously recovered a four-goal deficit against Arsenal in February 2011 in one of Wenger's lowest moments as Gunners boss.