Arsene Wenger: "It was a horrible night"

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lamented a "horrible night" for his side as they slipped to a 3-1 reverse against AS Monaco in the Champions League.

The Gunners were stunned by the visiting Ligue 1 side this evening, and Wenger was frustrated with his players as they were caught on the counter for the potentially decisive second and third goals.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think it was a horrible night as you say, but I congratulate Monaco, they fought very well, caught us on the break and we had chances we didn't take, and we were open on the second and third goal.

"We knew we had to keep our nerves and we knew we couldn't afford [to be open] and it's difficult to understand. We controlled the game quite well and everything went for them tonight."

The Frenchman also accepted that his side face a "massive" uphill battle ahead of the return leg against his former club on March 17.

"The task is massive now and the third goal makes it even harder," he added. "We'll have a go of course and we will see. It's very disappointing and when you don't perform you are punished because other teams have the quality."

The Gunners host Everton on Sunday afternoon.