Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made the stunning claim that his side would be better off in the Europa League next season , after repeatedly failing to make an impact in the Champions League . Tuesday night 's 2-0 win in Monaco was not enough to prevent a last-16 exit as Arsenal lost out on away goals rule following their 3-1 first-leg defeat at the Emirates last month . And Wenger , who has been in the competition for 17 straight seasons , says that his side might even be better away from the top-tier competition in future given their recent trend of exiting almost as soon as the knockout stages have begun . Arsene Wenger had admitted that Arsenal might have a better chance of winning in the Europa League . Wenger 's Arsenal side could only find two goals in Monaco on Tuesday , when they needed at least three . After repeated Champions League failure , Wenger has speculated about winning the Europa League in future . The third-placed team in each Champions League group - a fate that Wenger has never suffered - move into the Europa League rather than a total exit from Europe , and the Arsenal boss believes that might be a better silverware opportunity . When asked if these early exits were eating away at him , Wenger replied : 'Yes , but we were eliminated by teams who reached the final . Maybe it would be better not to pass the group phase and play the Europa League than to be eliminated in the last 16 . We would have more chances to win a title . ' When pressed for clarification , the Arsenal manager insisted this was meant to be a comment about the abrupt and unforgiving nature of the Champions League in its sudden-death phase rather than a serious realignment of ambitions . Olivier Giroud opened the scoring for the Gunners as they looked to fight back from their first-leg defeat . Giroud celebrates putting Arsenal in front at the Stade Louis II to give the away side a bit of hope early on . Aaron Ramsey added a second goal for the Gunners but they could not find a third to send them through . The Welsh midfielder was a substitute on the night but came on to help Arsenal in their late charge . Wenger has never won a European trophy but perhaps the Europa League would offer a better opportunity . The Arsenal boss also told L'Equipe that he thought his team 's performance was good but that they left themselves too much to do after a poor showing in London last month . 'The performance was good , it was a difficult task , ' Wenger said . 'They surprised us in the first game because subconsciously we were too sure of ourselves . 'In the second half , we lacked a bit of freshness . I am very disappointed to be knocked out , of course , but I will remember a lot of positives from this game . ' Alexis Sanchez went down under the challenge of Nabil Dirar in the penalty area but was booked for diving . Wenger was unhappy with the performance of referee Svein Oddvar Moen ( second right ) during the game . Wenger made it clear he was unhappy with the performance of referee Svein Oddvar Moen during a first half where Arsenal could have won a penalty when Alexis Sanchez went down inside the area and the home side were allowed to commit multiple fouls with no bookings handed out . ' I think his ( Moen 's ) first half was very poor , ' Wenger said . ' I just told him at half-time that I was not happy with some decisions . ' 2015 - beaten by Monaco , last 16 . 2014 - beaten by Bayern Munich , last 16 . 2013 - beaten by Bayern Munich , last 16 . 2012 - beaten by AC Milan , last 16 . 2011 - beaten by Barcelona , last 16 . 2010 - beaten by Barcelona , quarter-final . 2009 - beaten by Manchester United , semi-final . 2008 - beaten by Liverpool , quarter-final . 2007 - beaten by PSV Eindhoven , last 16 . 2006 - beaten by Barcelona , final . 2005 - beaten by Bayern Munich , last 16 . 2004 - beaten by Chelsea , quarter-final . 2003 - Knocked out , second group stage . 2002 - Knocked out , second group stage . 2001 - beaten by Valencia , quarter-final . 2000 - Knocked out , first group stage . 1999 - Knocked out , first group stage . The closest Wenger has come to lifting the famous trophy was Arsenal 's final defeat by Barcelona in 2006 . Wenger and his players watch on disappointed as Barcelona lift the trophy in Paris ' Stade de France . VIDEO Jardim explains Wenger handshake snub .
Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League despite 2-0 win in Monaco . It was 17th consecutive year of qualification and then failure for Arsenal . Arsene Wenger feels he has a better chance of winning Europa League . Arsenal manager was unhappy with the referee 's performance on Tuesday . Comment: Wenger accused of disrespecting former club Monaco . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .