Former England international Michael Owen has insisted that he was not surprised to see Arsenal fall to defeat against Monaco last night.

The Gunners' Champions League hopes have been left in tatters after the Ligue 1 outfit stormed to a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Many were shocked by the way Arsenal failed to click into gear in the last-16 first-leg tie, although Owen says that the writing was on the wall.

"Arsenal played poor on the night, but the only people surprised are those who continue to believe they are better than they are," he told Sportlobster. "Saying this, I would take Arsenal to beat Monaco more often than not."

Arsenal must now score three unanswered goals in the return leg if they are to advance into the quarter-finals.