Defeated Roma boss Fabio Capello was generous in his praise of Arsenal, describing the Premier League outfit as the ‘best side in Europe in the moment”.

“We played well but we wasted opportunities, just as we have been doing in the Italian league, and the second goal ended that spell. With Arsenal, as with all great teams, they punish you for every mistake,” Capello said, after watching his side go down 3-1 courtesy of a Thierry Henry hat-trick.

“Arsenalare a very well organised squad full of top players, and as I have said, they are the best side in Europe in the moment.”

Inevitably, the performance of hat-trick scorer Thierry Henry attracted acclaim, was but Wenger was keen to praise his entire team.

‘Henry had a exceptional night with three different, but three great goals,” said Arsenal manager ArsŠne Wenger said.

“But it was also an exceptional team performance. We have a great squad and I wouldn’t change any of them.

“Cafu, Totti, and Cassano looked dangerous, but we kept the ball and played them offside,” Wenger said.

“Cygan blocked a goal on the line at a very important moment at which the game could have gone either way.”

“In the second half we dominated with 60 per cent of the possession and we just had to find the way to get behind their defence,” Wenger said. “We are in a strong position now, but every game in this round will be massive.”