Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still optimistic that his side will reach the last round of 16 in the Champions League despite the 5-1 thrashing by Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Speaking about his team’s performance during a post-match presser, a dejected Wenger lamented, ''We were not at the races, When we went forward we had chances but with a defensive performance like that you go nowhere. You have to give credit to Bayern but we made things quite easy for them. We were extremely poor defensively.’’

He added, ''I can't tell you if it's the worst. It will not remain in my memory for anything positive. You have to be strong enough to face up. At least there were no more injuries. Apart from in their heads.''

The Gunners still have a mathematical chance of proceeding to the last round of 16 if they win their remaining two games and Bayern beats Olympiacos in their next fixture. But if the Bavarians draw with Olympiacos, the Londoners will face an early exit out of the tournament since they can only achieve nine points maximum out of the remaining games. A draw would cement Bayern Munich’s and Olympiacos’ first and second positions respectively in Group F.

UEFA Champions League Group F table

''It's a small chance but a real one,'' explained the French tactician regarding Arsenal’s chances of reaching the last 16. ''If Bayern play like they did here they will beat Olympiacos.’’

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola echoed Wenger’s sentiments by claiming that his side will do all it can to beat Olympiacos in order to finish top of the group.

''Trust us we will try to win,' he assured. ''Be sure we will fight because we want to be first in the group.'' 

Wenger’s men face yet another tough challenge back in the Premier League as they host Tottenham Hotspur without the likes of Theo Walcott, Hector Bellerin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who have been sidelined due to injury. Speaking about their weekend fixture with their long-time London rivals, 66-year-old explained, ''We have to focus on Sunday against Tottenham and turn up with a different performance. We are in a strong position in the league.''