DIMITAR BERBATOV believes Monaco "wanted to win more" after they defeated Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

A 25-yard deflected effort from Geoffrey Kondogbia put Monaco ahead on 38 minutes, and after Gunners striker Olivier Giroud had spurned another two great chances to get his side level, Berbatov crashed in a second on the break.

Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, returning from a groin injury, grabbed Arsenal a lifeline in stoppage-time only for Yannick Carrasco to slot home a third away goal on the break which leaves Arsenal facing exit from Europe before the quarter-finals once again.

When asked if he expected the final scoreline, former Tottenham striker Berbatov said: "No-one expects that probably but we were confident in our abilities and we deserved to win. We took our chances. It's not over. We will think about the next game when it comes.

"We are good, a good team and we wanted to win more than them and were were fighting all over the pitch and we scored more goals."

Despite the convincing scoreline, Berbatov does not believe the tie is dead ahead of the return leg at Monaco's Stade Louis II.

"I don't think like this because Arsenal have such great players," the 34-year-old added.

"One more game and anything can happen but we have two more goals."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who managed Ligue 1 side Monaco and led them to a league and Coupe de France title, admitted the task facing his side is now "massive" if they are to progress further in the competition.

"It was a horrible night as you said but congratulations to Monaco," Wenger said on Sky Sports.

"They defended very well and caught us on the break. We had the chances we didn't take and were the worst side defensively.

"We knew at half-time to keep our nerves and in our vast experience of this competition we knew that we couldn't afford it.

"Everything went for them tonight but as well you see in the group stage they were very well organised.

"The task is massive now and the third goal makes it more difficult. We have a goal, of course, and will see what we can do there."

When asked about his feelings after the defeat, Wenger added: "It's very very disappointing and the Champions League is down to the performance on the day. If you don't perform at the level that is requested for 90 minutes you are punished because the teams have the quality.

"We knew before the game they absorb you then get you on the break and what happened?"