Wenger doesn’t shy away from controversy; see what he had to say about the Champions League after defeat to Barcelona

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger

Goals from Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp sent the Gunners packing at the first knockout stage once again

Arsene Wenger defended Arsenal ’s European record after crashing out in the last 16 stage for a sixth year running.

Wenger insisted Arsenal showed the spirit needed to revive their flagging season and claimed Barcelona’s deadly trio of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have turned football into a work of “art.”

Gunners boss Wenger said: “I’m pleased with the performance. The quality of our game was good. The performance shows our season is not over.

“I am disappointed with the result but we played a team with the best three strikers I’ve seen.

“From nothing they can create a chance. You must admire art. They have two or three players with the ability to transform normal life into art. Of course for me it is suffering as well but it is exceptional what Messi does.

“I give you the stats (six in a row). We have to consider game by game. You look at the positives and negatives and prepare for the next one.

“We have gone out against top sides, who went on and won the Champions League after. On one occasion we were completely guilty, against Monaco. The others were against Bayern and Barcelona twice.”

Wenger was clearly upset by questions about Mathieu Flamini being substituted a minute before half time and the Arsenal midfielder watched the second half from the press conference room.

Flamini looked angrily at Wenger when substituted but the Arsenal manager insisted he was injured.

Wenger added: “I didn’t know where he was. I’m not sure he was allowed on the bench. He was injured. He had treatment after half-time. I wouldn’t say that on a night of great football that was the most important thing about the game.”

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique added: “We have unique players. That’s obvious. On their day they can solve many situations on the pitch.

“But the importance of this team is that they also work as a team. They all contribute to the club. This is the key.”

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck said: “We had some chances, it was difficult to come here 2-0 down but we had a plan to get through. It was a difficult occasion for us and unfortunately we couldn't get through.

"We had a couple of opportunities where we should have done better and with the quality they have then they are clinical when they have chances.

"Coming to the Nou Camp you really want to leave your mark, we could have done better in certain situations and it is disappointing."