No one should expect cries of "Wenger out" but Arsenal's aura of invincibility has now been emphatically shattered. After seven months without defeat, Arsene Wenger's team last night suffered their second loss in four days, failing to recover from a dreadful start against Auxerre.

The Double winners fell two goals behind inside 27 minutes as Auxerre executed their counter-attacking game in fine style. Although Arsenal had almost all the second-half pressure after Nwanwko Kanu pulled a goal back, they remained below their best and failed to create a noteworthy chance against well-organised opponents.

Philippe Mexes, a target for Manchester United, was outstanding in the French side's defence as Arsenal suffered their first home defeat since Deportivo La Coruna won here in March. Not even Robert Pires' introduction could make the difference and Wenger's players remain a win short of certain qualification, though a point from their last two games will probably suffice.

Although Auxerre arrived with only one point, they had shown in losing 1-0 to Arsenal in France a capacity to defend doggedly before looking to hit on the break. Most had anticipated this would test the home side's patience and examine their ability to take the their chances. Few had imagined Arsenal would be two goals down inside half an hour.

Wenger's team had not conceded a Champions League goal coming into the game but were made to look shaky by an Auxerre side who began with good strength and organisation in defence and real fluency.

Even before their eighth-minute opener they might have scored thanks to another error by David Seaman. The goalkeeper was given huge applause by the Arsenal fans before the start but those cheers might easily have turned to jeers.

When Seaman came out to collect a pass by the impressive Olivier Kapo he spilled the ball into the path of Yann Lachuer, who failed to show the necessary composure and shot over. Grateful for that, Seaman can hardly have imagined that he would be beaten so soon after.

Some will wonder whether Seaman at his prime would have stopped Kapo's effort but there is no question the Auxerre striker hit the shot with terrific pace from outside the area, curling it into the far corner after taking possession from a throw-in and nutmegging Patrick Vieira.

Auxerre were causing problems with their passing, width and willingness to run at opponents, probably starting more offensively than Arsenal had imagined. Wenger's players, on the other hand, were struggling to find their best fluency and rythmn as the French team got plenty of bodies behind the ball, closed Arsenal down quickly and were aggressive in the tackle.

The otherwise quiet Thierry Henry did speed clear on the right flank and pulled back a pass which Nwankwo Kanu put just over the bar, but Arsenal's forwards were not finding the sort of space they thrive on.

Kanu went close on a couple of other occasions before half-time, first firing narrowly off-target and then scuffing a shot wide, but between times Auxerre scored their second goal, which mixed skill and luck.

Another fast break, started by the centre-half Jean-Alain Boumsong, saw Auxerre bursting towards the edge of the box. Ashley Cole's attempt at a tackle inadvertently helped the ball into the path of Khalilou Fadiga, who clipped a shot over the onrushing Seaman.

Arsenal's pressure just before the interval had been frantic rather than incisive, and Wenger must have stressed the need for greater thought. Henry was doing his utmost to get more involved and was heavily involved in the move from which Kanu pulled a goal back, picking up Lauren's pass and crossing for the Nigerian to tap in.

Only two excellent saves by Seaman prevented Auxerre from re-establishing their two-goal lead after Cole miskicked, but most of the action was at the other end as Arsenal poured forward for the elusive equaliser.

ARSENAL: Seaman, Lauren (Toure 77), Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Ljungberg, Vieira, Silva (Pires 71), Wiltord, Henry, Kanu. Subs not used: Shaaban, Edu, Pennant, Luzhny, Stepanovs. Booked: Campbell, Vieira. Goal: Kanu 53.

AUXERRE: Cool, Radet, Boumsong, Mexes, Jaures, Faye, Lachuer, Tainio, Fadiga, Mwaruwari, Kapo Obou. Subs not used: Hamel, Grichting, Mathis, Marin, Gonzales, Doumbe, Sirieix. Booked: Boumsong, Faye. Goals: Kapo Obou 8, Fadiga 27.

Referee: Donenisco Messina (Italy).