Arsene Wenger says 'the referee and very big players' key to Barcelona comeback after Arsenal exit

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Tom Dutton9 March 2017

Arsene Wenger has played down the significance of Barcelona's stunning comeback following Arsenal's Champions League exit.

Both Arsenal and Barca went into the week needing to overturn four-goal deficits to progress to the last eight of Europe's leading club competion.

The Gunners failed in humiliating fashion, losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich to complete a 10-2 aggregate defeat, while Luis Enrique's side defied the odds to knock out PSG with a 6-1 victory at the Nou Camp.

Wenger blasted referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos's performance following Arsenal's defeat to Bayern on Tuesday in which Laurent Koscielny was dismissed.

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez was awarded a controversial late penalty as Barca scored three goals in a stunning late, seven-minute spell to revive their Champions League campaign.

Asked whether Barca's comeback played on his mind following Arsenal's failure, Wenger said: "Last night has shown the importance of two main factors of this kind of game. The referee and very big players."

Wenger is still yet to make a decision on his future and was unmoved when asked if he would consider continuing despite the fashion of Arsenal's Champions League exit.

Following a fan protest calling for him to depart ahead of Tuesday's game, the 67-year-old said he would take supporter feeling into account when deciding whether to sign a new deal.

Arsenal fans protest against Arsene Wenger | March 7, 2017

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But when asked if he fears his image was tarnished by the manner of Bayern Munich's comprehensive Champions League win, Wenger said: "I don't work for my image, I work for this club with full commitment.

"After, how will I be judged in one way or the other is not too much my problem.

"I think I've shown that since I'm here that I love this club, I'm loyal to this club and make the right decisions for this club."

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