Gunners arrive at moment of truth

ARSENE WENGER admits his Arsenal team have arrived at the moment of truth in their quest to prove they are among Europe’s finest.

The Frenchman insists it is time the Gunners reached beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League and started achieving things in Europe to match their exploits in the domestic game.

This is Arsenal’s fifth season in the Champions League and they have only once gone as far as the last eight knockout stage, losing on away goals to Spain’s Valencia two years ago.

Wenger admitted: “We cannot still come out and say we don’t have enough experience yet because we have all international players who have played in many top-level games.

“Now I believe many top teams in Europe think we could be among the favourites but always you have to prove that out on the pitch.

“I have just said that this could be a moment of truth for us, a turning point, but first we need to qualify for the quarter-finals. I would just be happy with that first of all if we could do it. Then you know you must still beat the big teams to win it.”

An Arsenal win over Roma tonight would seal a place in the last eight provided Ajax also win against Valencia in Amsterdam in the other match in Group B.

But Wenger’s major boost in having Thierry Henry recovered from a calf strain to face the Italian side whom he destroyed with a stunning hat-trick in Rome in November, is tempered by fitness doubts over centre-backs Sol Campbell and Martin Keown, who both face late tests.

Wenger said: “Quite a few teams are having problems winning at home because the Champions League is a high quality challenge every match and we are in a particularly tight group.

“But I am convinced we will see a top level Arsenal performance and, although I have said that many times, I just keep a belief in my players.”

Roma are seeking a comeback in the group after losing their first three matches in the second phase but then storming to a 3-0 win in Valencia, where Francesco Totti scored twice.

They have slipped down Serie A to seventh in what has been a disappointing domestic campaign.

But Wenger insisted: “They need to win against us to have a future in the Champions League this season and that should make sure it is a much better game than our last two home ties, when Valencia and Ajax had a very defensive attitude.

“Clearly, Roma will be very cautious about facing Henry again, but that is natural when somebody scores three goals against you.

“We have other players who can score goals, and Francis Jeffers is looking a real threat.

“But Roma also have an outstanding player in Totti who can really hurt teams in the final third of the field.”

That could be a timely warning for Latvian Igors Stepanovs and Frenchman Pascal Cygan who may have to fill the central breach in Arsenal’s rearguard if Campbell and Keown are forced out.