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Arsene Wenger becomes first manager to lose 50 Champions League matches

Unflattering stat achieved with defeat to Dinamo Zagreb

Thursday 17 September 2015 11:55 BST

Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho once called Arsene Wenger a "specialist in failure".

It seemed a bit harsh from the Chelsea manager, particularly considering it was levelled at a man who has won three Premier League titles and six FA Cup trophies.

But a statistic following last night's Champions League defeat for Arsenal suggests Wenger is the biggest failure in Europe's elite competition.

The 2-1 loss to Dinamo Zagreb saw the Arsenal boss become the first manager to lose 50 Champions League games.

This is Wenger's 18th season in the competition with Arsenal but during that time he has never won the trophy and reached the final just once.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Show all 11

1/11Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Arsenal: David Ospina 5/10

Hardly culpable for either Zagreb goal, though you might have expected Petr Cech to hold on the initial effort for the first. Or at least not palm it back into the danger area.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Debuchy 6

Started the game desperate to prove he could do all Hector Bellerin can and more. Whilst he looked bright going forward he was dragged well out of position for Zagreb’s opener.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Gabriel 7

On more than one occasion he was called on to pull off spectacular clearances or interceptions just to keep Zagreb from adding to their advantage. He won plenty of aerial challenges and made one excellent sliding challenge.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Koscielny 5

Was late to the cross for Zagreb’s second to blot what had previously been a perfectly acceptable performance from the defender. But Arsenal’s defensive leader should not be making careless mistakes at such crucial moments.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Gibbs 5

Another who could have done much better for the second goal, he showed everything that has allowed Monreal to win the left-back spot, attacking intent coupled with defensive disorganisation.

Getty Images

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Cazorla 4

Dispossessed on no fewer than four occasions this was nowhere near good enough from Arsenal’s creative conductor, who was also caught out of position time and again.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Arteta 3

The Arsenal captain’s legs are gone, and it showed time and again at the Maksimir. When Zagreb countered the visitors’ defence found themselves with no cover and no chance.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Oxlade-Chamberlain 7

The only outfield player to end the game in credit, he never stopped running and stretching the play. If he had the lofty reputation of his colleagues he would never have been substituted.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Ozil 4

Showed everything that infuriates Arsenal fans when he is at his worst. Shrugged off the ball on more than one occasion and seemed to wander aimlessly as he slowed down play.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Sanchez 4

An assist is all well and good but even that showed his struggles in one of his worst games for Arsenal. His touch was heavy and too often he gave the ball away under little pressure.

Dinamo Zagreb 2 Arsenal 1 player ratings

Giroud 1

After missing a sitter he picked up two truly idiotic bookings to leave his colleagues in no-man’s land. Totally and utterly unacceptable from the striker as Arsenal looked to get back into the game.

Getty Images

But whilst the 50th defeat stat appears damning, it also reflects Wenger's consistency in ensuring his side qualify for Europe's elite competition, an achievement unrivalled in the Premier League.

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