• Champions League

Arsenal deserved to lose - Wenger

December 7, 2011
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal were simply not convincing © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal were just not convincing enough as they ended their Champions League Group F campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Olympiacos.

Despite qualification and top spot already being secure before the clash in Athens, Wenger - taking charge of his 200th European tie - expected better as defensive lapses again proved costly as the visitors trailed 2-0 at the break.

In-form Algeria striker Rafik Djebbour slotted home on 16 minutes after a loose ball was not cut out at the edge of the area, before substitute keeper Vito Mannone - on for the injured Lukasz Fabianski - made a hash of his clearance as David Fuster put the hosts in the driving seat to reach the last 16.

Yossi Benayoun slotted home a consolation on 57 minutes before Francois Modesto secured victory with a minute left.

However, that was not enough for Olympiacos as rivals Marseille produced a late rally to win at Borussia Dortmund and deny the Athens club qualification as they had to make do with the Europa League instead.

Wenger, who revealed full-back Andre Santos was set for a spell on the sidelines after going off with an ankle injury, felt the fact Arsenal had nothing to play for proved a telling factor.

"We had the early chances, but Olympiacos played a very committed game and made a good battle," Wenger said. "We lost too many balls in the first half and overall became a bit insecure.

"They were sharper than we were at 2-0, but we came back and then looked like we could equalise, but they scored the third goal. Overall Olympiacos deserved to win. Unfortunately for them it is not enough to qualify as Marseille made a super result in Dortmund."

Wenger added: "I am annoyed because we lost the game. It is difficult to single [anyone] out. Offensively and defensively we were not convincing. We could sense there was something more at stake for Olympiacos than us, and that made a difference."

While the extent of Santos' injury is not yet clear, Wenger said the Brazilian would be "out for a while", and also confirmed reserve keeper Fabianski had suffered a "deep cut on the knee".

Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Wenger feels the trip to Greece and the intimidating Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium will have stood the likes of Emmanuel Frimpong, Francois Coquelin and England Under-21 international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in good stead.

"It was a fantastic experience. They realise what intensity that you need at this level and some young players have shown good things," Wenger said. "But there was a bit of lack of experience and maturity in midfield where you need to hold the ball better when we were under pressure."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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