Wenger was left disappointed by Champions League exit

In the space of 11 days Arsenal have lost the Carling Cup final, exited the FA Cup and been knocked out of Europe - ending their hopes of silverware.

He said: "There are a lot of positives but the two weeks have been horrendous.

"We can only think we played the game we wanted to play but we didn't take our chances. It's cruel."

News conference: Arsene Wenger

Now we have to secure a place in next season's Champions League Arsene Wenger

Arsenal are fourth in the Premiership - 20 points behind leaders Manchester United - and Wenger is now focused on qualifying for next season's Champions League.

He added after the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium: "I don't feel we failed in the Carling Cup. We're out of the FA Cup and that was a big disappointment, but it is minor compared to this.

"Now we have to secure a place in the Champions League because we have a responsibility to finish as high as we can and try to overtake Liverpool.

"We lacked a bit of sharpness and of course we lacked a bit of quality in the final third."

To make matters worse skipper Thierry Henry suffered stomach and groin injuries shortly after his introduction as a substitute against PSV.

Wenger has confirmed that Henry will now be out for a "few weeks".

Eindhoven defender Alex - on loan from Chelsea - gave Arsenal the lead with an own goal on Wednesday, but then headed a late leveller to send PSV through 2-1 on aggregate.

I think Chelsea will be very happy Alex scored here PSV Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman

And the irony of PSV hero Alex's links with Chelsea did not escape the beaten Wenger.

The 24-year-old was bought in a joint agreement between PSV and Chelsea in 2004 with the contract stipulating he spend two seasons in Holland before moving to Stamford Bridge.

But Alex's failure to play for Brazil has frustrated the former Santos defender's efforts to switch to the Premiership on work permit grounds.

Wenger said: "Alex won PSV the tie alone, which is only a bit of an exaggeration."

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And users of BBC Sport's Player Rater clearly agreed, putting Alex head and shoulders above any other player on the Emirates pitch. At 1300GMT, Alex boasted a mark of 8.74, well clear of the next best-rated.

Wenger added: "He kept their defence very tight and saved them every time. He made the difference at set-pieces and dominated our players in the air easily.

"Chelsea have the money to buy the best players - that's not new information.

"I don't know the rules and I don't think he's the only player Chelsea own like that."

606: DEBATE Barring injury, are there any reasons why Arsenal shouldn't succeed in the league or Europe next season? AR

PSV coach Ronald Koeman - who sent Liverpool and Manchester United crashing out of the Champions League last season, was elated and paid tribute to the performance of Alex.

He said: "He's one of the best central defenders there is and it's incredible he plays for a team like PSV.

"He's Chelsea's player and PSV rent him from Chelsea because he's still not allowed to play in England.

"We're proud he plays for us but know it won't be for much longer.

"He can play against Chelsea in the next round because he's at PSV until the end of the season.

"After that we'll talk to Chelsea about his situation. It was an agreement with Chelsea that he stays with us for the season.