Arsenal would be better off in the Europa league, says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has expressed his disappointment at crashing out of the round of 16 tie of the Champions League to Monaco by claiming that the Gunners would be better off playing in the Europa League where they have a chance to progress in the competition.

The Gunners made their way out of the round of 16 tie of the Champions League for the fifth year in succession, in spite of being favourites to progress against Monaco after the tie was drawn.

The north London club paid the price for being defensively naive against the Ligue One Cup at the Emirates, when they conceded three goals including one in the 94th minute, to take the result beyond repair.

It was a major blow for Wenger, who was facing his old club and was desperate to do well in Europe, having not made the semi-finals in Europe after the 2009 season.

It was however a familiar story for the Gunners, who have flattered to deceive on the big stage in spite of being on a brilliant run in the league over the past couple of months.

"Maybe it would be better not to advance from the group phase and play the Europa League than be eliminated right away in the last 16. We would have more chances to win a title. [If a club went] out after the group stages, you have no chances after to play again, like you do in the Europa League," Wenger said.

Aaron Ramsey scored the second goal for the north London club after Olivier Giroud, who had a nightmare at the Emirates, scored a brilliant goal to give the Gunners some hope.

The Frenchman missed a gilt edged chance in the 83rd minute to ascertain progression, thus keeping the Gunners alive in two competitions at the moment, the FA Cup and the Premier League, where they currently trail Chelsea by seven points.