Arsenal's Per Mertesacker says Monaco deserved Champions League win
Wednesday 18 March 2015 05:29, UK
Per Mertesacker insists Monaco deserved to qualify for the quarter-final of the Champions League, despite Arsenal coming close to a dramatic comeback.
The Gunners lost on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw having beat Monaco 2-0 at the Stade Louis II.
Monaco, who didn't have a shot on target in the second leg following a 3-1 win at the Emirates last month, rode their luck at times, but the German defender says the best team won.
He said: "We could have done more but [Monaco] deserve it I think.
"Today was absolutely oustanding from the lads. The progress in the last month has been absolutely amazing.
"There was a mountain to climb, but we showed a different face, that should give us big confidence for the FA Cup and for the league because we've done well in recent weeks."
Arsenal have hit form of late, the first-leg being their only defeat in nine games, winning the other eight, and Mertesacker says the players are full of spirit for the remainder of the season.
"We feel positive and confident. You could see that today, how confident we were. We won nearly every duel, especially defensively, and showed a different face.
"I mean how many chances did they have today? It changed completely from the first leg.
"Let's go on like that, and we have a great chance to qualify again for the Champions League and try it one more time."
