Wenger's revitalised Arsenal will take Champions League fight to Roma

Arsene Wenger has warned Roma that Arsenal have the resources to deliver a knockout blow to the Italians in Wednesday's Champions League showdown.

The Gunners warmed up for their last 16 second leg trip to the Eternal City by easing into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Burnley on Sunday.

After suffering a goal famine in recent weeks, Wenger's side feasted on a selection of mouth-watering strikes in the fifth round tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Carlos Vela opened the scoring by nutmegging Clarke Carlisle before deftly chipping Brian Jensen.

Eduardo got the second with a sublime volley with the outside of his left foot and Emmanuel Eboue added the third with a blistering finish to fine move than featured a perfect backheeled pass from Alexandre Song.

Arsenal's victory set up a last eight home tie against Hull later this month, with a semi-final against Chelsea lying in wait for the winners, but Wenger's true focus remains on Europe.

His team have a slender one-goal advantage from the first leg but rather than defend that lead, the Arsenal manager is determined to take the fight to Roma.

"We are going into this game with belief and extreme desire to qualify," he said.

"The positive is we didn't concede in the first leg but we know we cannot only go there and defend. We want at every opportunity to attack and try to score."

With Eduardo confirming his fitness after a hamstring injury and England winger Theo Walcott making his first appearance since shoulder surgery in November, Wenger suddenly has more options in his armoury for the Roma match.

"I haven't made the team yet but Walcott and Eduardo will certainly be in the squad. The more resources you have the better it is and they are two guys who can score goals," Wenger said.

"We slowly have all our players coming back. That can be decisive because we are going into the final sprint.

"For us it is important to keep all our targets alive. We know every game demands a big performance because we cannot slip up.

"It is exciting because this group is extremely determined. It has been a pleasure to work with them but they have not always been rewarded."

If Arsenal are to end their four-year trophy drought, Eduardo will play a key role. The Brazil-born Croatian has only just returned from a year on the sidelines with a broken leg and ankle.

His magnificent volley on Sunday conjured memories of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp in his pomp, while Wenger said the goal reminded him of the flamboyant skills displayed by Brazilians on the Copacabana beach.

"For me it is a little bit of a 'beach' goal. He meant it. He is a surprise finisher and a very intelligent player," Wenger added.

"For us now, as much as we wanted a run in the FA Cup, we've now got 10 cup finals in the league to try to force ourselves into the play-offs," he said.





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