Houllier - Refs cost Gunners

Gerard Houllier feels that Arsenal's UEFA Champions League dreams were crushed by poor refereeing decisions.

The former Liverpool boss saw his old club see off the Gunners during an exhilarating quarter-final second leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

"From a personal point of view I was happy Liverpool won but I also felt for my friend Arsene because over the two legs he deserved at least as much to win as Liverpool," he said.

"To me it was a clear-cut penalty in the first leg and then one was given against them in the second leg. That's why he was not happy.

"At the top level a decision like that can make you or break you.

"But both teams showed marvellous qualities. They were two very good Champions League encounters and excellent promotion for the game itself. The attitude and the fair play was fantastic."

Houllier also admitted that he expects Arsenal's time to come in the future, judging by the youthful exuberance encapsulated within their talented squad.

"The need a bit more maturity and a bit more power," he said.

"In terms of intensity and power the Champions League has increased a lot.

"But Arsenal have a wonderful team and with the age of the players they can only get better."