We deserved to lose, says Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his side were second best after their 2-0 defeat at FC Porto cost them top spot in Champions League Group G.

"We lost the match and came second. Porto were stronger than us," said Wenger. "We were not in trouble until they scored but then it was difficult.

"In the last 20 minutes, they were dangerous every time we lost the ball and we were not effective enough.

"At 2-0 down the belief was not there, we weren't strong enough to come back."

Arsenal must now wait for the draw for the last 16, which takes place in Nyon on Friday 19 December at 1200 GMT.

Having finished second, the Gunners can meet Panathinaikos, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Roma in the next stage, but Wenger says they have nothing to be afraid of.

"We can fight with everybody in Europe and can qualify against anybody," added the Frenchman.

"It is important now to come back in the Premier League and be in a good position. We now have some time to focus on that.

"We will see who we get in the draw, and then look at the Champions League again in February."

Wenger brought Emmanuel Eboue back into his starting XI, despite the Ivorian being booed at the hands of his own supporters during their 1-0 win over Wigan at the Emirates on Saturday.

Eboue received a warm ovation from the travelling supporters in Portugal and threw his shirt into the crowd at the end.

"He got the support of the fans here and he did all right," said Wenger.

"But it does not go as quickly as that. It will take a little time."

FC Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira said his side deserved top spot after an assured performance.

"The players knew what my tactics were going to be and they played even better than I expected," said Ferreira.

"We deserved first place in the group, but it is most important that the players grew a lot with this type of performance."