Arsenal must try to clinch first place over Dortmund says Mertesacker [divider]
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes his side must try to clinch first place in Champions League Group D.
The Gunners would move into first place with a win against Galatasaray if Anderlecht beat Borussia Dortmund in the other group game.
“It is good to have reached the last 16 with a game to spare, especially when it is an away game and it is in Istanbul. You don’t want to be under pressure needing points in Istanbul,” Mertesacker said.
“We want to continue our run of winning games to get ourselves going. The rhythm at the moment is there and we want to try to keep that, even if we have small chances to secure that first spot,” the German said.
“Dortmund have to win as well and we will try our best. It’s a good opportunity as well to keep that winning way.”
The Gunners beat Galatasaray 4-1 at the Emirates in the first leg and the Lions are yet to win a single game in this seasons competition.
Galatasaray are undefeated in their last five home games against English visitors, winning three and drawing two.
