Arsene Wenger keen for Arsenal to finish ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in Group A
Monday 31 October 2016 23:51, UK
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to gain the 'little advantages' that would come from finishing top of their Champions League group.
The Gunners go into Tuesday's Group A clash with Ludogorets in Bulgaria in top spot, albeit only on goal difference over Paris Saint-Germain with both teams having seven points from their first three games.
Victory in Sofia, over a team they beat 6-0 two weeks ago, would mean Arsenal being at worst level with the French side ahead of a likely group decider at the Emirates Stadium on November 23.
"It's our prime target to win the group," said Wenger, who side will qualify for the knockout stage with a win if PSG do not lose at home to Basel.
"We have a home game with Paris Saint-Germain to come so we have a good opportunity on Tuesday.
"For the second leg of the last 16 at home, if it goes to extra-time or penalties...it's a little advantage. They are all little advantages added together.
"We have paid the price many times when we've finished second in the group, having to play Barcelona or Bayern Munich. If you can finish first, why finish second. We always try to finish first."
Arsenal's record in November has not been good historically, with last year's results including a 5-1 hiding against Bayern, a draw with Tottenham and defeat at West Brom.
But Wenger is not looking back to the past and feels mental strength is going to be vital in their busy month, which includes a north London derby on Sunday and a clash with Manchester United as well as PSG's visit.
"We have some very important games in front of us. But we need to continue to do what we've done until now by just focusing on the next game. We have to try to win tomorrow night and then we have Tottenham at home on Sunday.
"The best way to prepare for that is for us to continue our strong run. It's important to keep a good balance between vigilance and confidence.
"We've had in difficult Novembers in previous seasons, but we've also had positive ones in our history too. The most important thing is to not live with the past, we have to live with the team we have at the moment.
"Our destiny lies in the minds of the players, how strong our focus is and how hungry we are. We need to be like that in every single game, starting Tuesday.
