Arsene Wenger reveals frustration following Barcelona defeat

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed his frustration following Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.

A second-half double from Lionel Messi, including one from the penalty spot, has given the holders a strong lead ahead of the return leg next month.

Wenger was full of praise for the European Cup holders, but has claimed that his team “were very average” in possession of the ball and also admitted that it will now be “very, very difficult” for the Gunners to turn the tie around at Camp Nou.

“Barcelona is a great team. We knew that before the game, but I believe technically we were very average. The regret I have is that we gave the goal away during a good period, similar to Monaco last season,” Wenger told BT Sport.

“Realistically, it is very, very difficult, if not impossible to go through now. I thought in the last 15, 20 minutes there was room to score. Barcelona are lethal and we knew that, we could not afford to give them counter-attacks.

“It is too easy to blame, you have to respect the effort of the players, but it is very frustrating. Barcelona can always kill you when you think that you are on top. They are very quick and were better than us, there is no shame to say that. It will be very difficult in the second leg, but we have to try to give our best. It is 95% for them and 5% for us, but we will have a go and you never know.”

Arsenal will now switch their attention back to the Premier League as they prepare to travel to Manchester