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Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to top Champions League group

Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring for Arsenal against PSG
Image: An Alexis Sanchez goal earned Arsenal a draw in Paris in their Champions League opener

Arsene Wenger has stressed the importance of Arsenal winning their Champions League group ahead of Wednesday's game against Basel.

The Gunners have been eliminated in the last 16 of the competition for six years running and in five of those years, Wenger's side finished runners-up in their group.

This year's campaign began with a 1-1 in draw at Paris Saint-Germain in what, on paper at least, was their toughest Group A fixture.

Swiss champions Basel visit the Emirates this week, and Wenger said: "Last year, we made it difficult for ourselves.

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"We have learned as well that in the group stage, it's not only important to qualify but, if possibly, qualify as top of the group. It gives you many more chances after to go through.

"It's our target but the truth is on the pitch. We had a good game [against Chelsea] on Saturday but let's show that we can go from good game to good game and put the effort in, in every single game."

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Arsenal 3-0 Chelsea

Basel have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in the Champions League in recent seasons, and Wenger said: "They are a team who are used to playing in the Champions League.

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"It's not a newcomer or a beginner in the Champions League, they have huge experience in the competition. This experience goes through the generations and this is why they're not intimidated.

"I don't expect them to be intimidated at all. On the other hand, they have nothing to lose. That's always dangerous."

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